WWE Brand Split News, Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 39 Belt

A new report sheds some news on the current status of WWE and its “brand split”. Plus, Cody Rhodes reveals the belt he is planning to wear for WrestleMania 39.

WWE Brand Split News

According to Fightful Select, WWE’s brand split, or specifically the “Brand to Brand Invitational” is “dead”. In addition, Fox and USA Network, who air both SmackDown and RAW are “relaxed” when it comes to previous notions that the brands be“noticeably” different.

In fact, a source notes that the above rule hasn’t arisen since Triple H assumed creative control. The Brand to Brand Invitation was one of many ideas that were implemented during the brand split, early on, to help with ratings.

Others included the “Wild Card” rule and having no commercials during matches. Although, fans have seen no commercials during RAW matches in the first hour, from time to time.

With that said, most of these were dropped, rather quickly. The original rule of the Brand to Brand Invitational was that a star from one show could be a part of another show, only once every quarter.

More News On WWE Brand Split

As per the report, one source states that the term ‘Brand to Brand Invitational’ hasn’t been used backstage at all unless it was to help “jog” someone’s memory. Leading up to ‘Mania, there have been a number of WWE stars on other brands.

Some examples include Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, The Bloodline, Sami Zayn, Rhea Ripley, and more. Seems like the USA Network and Fox have no issues now with stars moving back and forth between the brands.

Speaking of Cody Rhodes and WM 39, he’s gearing up for a major match at the flagship event. More on this, below.

Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 39 Belt

Rhodes is hoping to walk away from WrestleMania 39 with the WWE Universal belt around his waist. However, he’s currently organizing the belt he’s going to wear during his main event match against Roman Reigns.

Source: @WrestleOps, Twitter, Screenshot

“The American Nightmare” recently shared a picture of his weight belt for the match. Fightful Select reports that the belt will reference Ring of Honor (ROH) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

In fact, the All In 2018 pay-per-view (PPV) will also be recognized. Seems that Rhodes has customized this weight belt to include engraved initials on the underside of it.

“I’m Alone Out There, But Also I’m Not”

As seen above, Rhodes hit Twitter and showed off his WM 39 weight belt. He also provided some heartfelt comments to fans.

After leaving the WWE in 2016, he toured the indies. Shortly after, he founded AEW with Nick and Matt Jackson, Kenny Omega, as well as Tony Khan.

The road he took via indie promotions like ROH and New Japan Pro Wrestling undeniably plays into Cody’s “finish the story” slogan. Rhodes’s WM story is truly a special one.

In 2022, Rhodes left AEW, and returned to the WWE, just in time for WM 38. Unfortunately, due to a personal injury, he was out of action shortly after his comeback.

However, he was able to return for the 2023 Royal Rumble to earn his main event spot at this year’s WrestleMania. Looks like Cody Rhodes is on his way to something very big.