The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to epic showdowns, but when two of the most revered athletes—Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles—step into the ring, it’s more than just a match. It’s a battle for supremacy, a clash of styles, and a meeting of wrestling legacies. The highly anticipated Super Clasico between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles was billed as the “Match of the Century,” and it more than lived up to the hype. Fans were treated to a wrestling masterclass, where technical skill, storytelling, and raw emotion collided.
Both Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles have carved out illustrious careers, but their paths have been vastly different. Cody, the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, has always been viewed as wrestling royalty, fighting to step out of his father’s shadow and build his own legacy. After leaving WWE for a few years, Cody returned with a renewed sense of purpose, eventually becoming one of the most popular and respected figures in the industry.
AJ Styles, on the other hand, spent much of his career outside WWE, dominating promotions like TNA and NJPW before finally arriving in WWE and making an immediate impact. Known as “The Phenomenal One,” AJ’s blend of high-flying maneuvers and technical brilliance has made him one of the most versatile performers in the world.
The Super Clasico was a dream match—a meeting of two fan favorites, each with something to prove. Cody was riding high on his quest to fulfill his father’s dream of becoming WWE Champion, while AJ was determined to show that he remains the face that runs the place.
The build-up to the Super Clasico was electric. For weeks, Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles exchanged words, both respecting each other’s abilities but adamant that they were the superior athlete. Cody, fresh off a string of victories, declared that he was destined to be the best, and that AJ, despite his achievements, would be just another name added to his list of conquered opponents.
AJ Styles fired back, reminding Cody that while he had been chasing glory, AJ had already cemented his status as one of the greatest. Their verbal confrontations only added fuel to the fire, with fans eagerly anticipating the moment when these two titans would finally clash.
Adding to the drama was the looming presence of the WWE Championship. Although not directly on the line in this match, both Cody and AJ made it clear that a victory here would propel them to the top of the title picture. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the Super Clasico was set to be a defining moment in both of their careers.
As the bell rang to signal the start of the match, the tension in the arena was palpable. Both Cody and AJ, aware of the importance of this contest, began cautiously, feeling each other out with chain wrestling and technical exchanges. It was clear from the outset that this match would be a marathon, not a sprint, with both competitors looking to wear each other down over time.
Cody Rhodes, known for his cerebral approach, utilized his mat wrestling skills to control the pace early on. He focused on grounding AJ Styles, using headlocks and submission holds to keep “The Phenomenal One” from utilizing his aerial offense. Cody’s strategy was clear—slow the match down and force AJ to wrestle on his terms.
However, AJ Styles is nothing if not adaptable. After a few minutes of being on the defensive, AJ began to pick up the pace, using his agility to escape Cody’s holds and counter with his signature strikes. A series of chops, kicks, and flying forearms shifted the momentum in AJ’s favor, as he reminded everyone why he’s one of the best in the world.
As the match wore on, both men began to unleash their full arsenals. Cody, recognizing that AJ was gaining momentum, responded with a series of power moves, including a beautiful vertical suplex and his signature “Disaster Kick.” The near-falls began to pile up, with both competitors coming agonizingly close to victory on multiple occasions.
AJ Styles, never one to be outdone, responded with his patented high-flying offense. He connected with a springboard 450 splash, sending the crowd into a frenzy, but Cody managed to kick out at the last second. The look of disbelief on AJ’s face told the story—this match was far from over.
The middle portion of the match saw a back-and-forth battle, with neither man able to gain a definitive advantage. The chemistry between Cody and AJ was undeniable, as they countered each other’s signature moves and pulled out new maneuvers in an attempt to put their opponent away. Cody even busted out a top-rope hurricanrana, showcasing his versatility and willingness to go to extreme lengths to secure the win.
With both men exhausted and the match reaching its crescendo, AJ Styles looked to finish Cody with his signature “Phenomenal Forearm.” He set up for the move, springing off the ropes with precision, but in a dramatic moment, Cody countered the attack, catching AJ mid-air with a devastating “Cross Rhodes” finisher.
The crowd erupted as Cody went for the pin, believing the match was over, but in an incredible display of heart, AJ Styles kicked out at two. The look of shock on Cody’s face was mirrored by the fans in attendance, who couldn’t believe that AJ had survived such a brutal counter.
This moment shifted the momentum back in Cody’s favor, as he realized that he needed to dig deeper than ever before to secure the victory. But AJ, showing why he’s considered “The Phenomenal One,” refused to stay down.
With both competitors pushing the limits of their endurance, the final stretch of the match was an all-out war. Cody Rhodes, determined to put AJ away once and for all, attempted to lock in a submission hold, targeting AJ’s arm in an effort to weaken him for another Cross Rhodes.
However, AJ Styles, with his incredible ring awareness, managed to escape the hold and retaliated with a “Calf Crusher,” locking Cody in the middle of the ring. The agony on Cody’s face was evident as he struggled to reach the ropes. The fans were on the edge of their seats, wondering if Cody would tap out. But in a dramatic show of resilience, Cody reached the bottom rope, breaking the hold and keeping the match alive.
With time ticking down and both men desperate for victory, AJ Styles attempted one final Phenomenal Forearm. This time, he connected, sending Cody crashing to the mat. AJ quickly went for the cover, but once again, Cody kicked out, showing the heart of a true champion.
In the final moments of the match, both men gave everything they had left. AJ Styles, looking to end things once and for all, set up for the “Styles Clash.” But as he lifted Cody for the move, Cody reversed it, countering with a roll-up that caught AJ off guard. The referee’s hand hit the mat for the three count, and just like that, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious.
The crowd exploded in cheers as Cody Rhodes stood tall, his hand raised in victory after a grueling and emotionally charged battle. The “Match of the Century” lived up to its name, delivering a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
The Super Clasico between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles was more than just a wrestling match—it was a showcase of two of the best performers of their generation pushing each other to the limit. Cody’s victory solidified his status as a top contender for the WWE Championship, while AJ Styles, despite the loss, once again proved why he’s considered one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time.
In the end, it was Cody’s determination and ability to adapt that allowed him to come out on top, but both men walked away with their heads held high, having delivered a match for the ages. The Super Clasico will undoubtedly go down as one of the defining moments in modern wrestling, a testament to the skill, passion, and heart of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles.
