WWE fans were treated to a blast from the past at Saturday Night’s Main Event when Cody Rhodes made his entrance carrying the legendary Winged Eagle Championship. The nostalgic title, a staple of WWE from the late 1980s through the late 1990s, was draped over Rhodes’ shoulder as he made his way to the ring for his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Kevin Owens.
The moment marked a dream fulfilled for Rhodes, who has long voiced his admiration for the classic design. Since winning the Undisputed WWE Championship, Rhodes has frequently spoken about bringing back the Winged Eagle, a title synonymous with some of WWE’s most iconic champions, including Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels. Rhodes himself called it a belt that “embodied greatness.”
The return of the Winged Eagle wasn’t just a surprise for the fans—it was a symbolic gesture. Triple H presented the title to Rhodes earlier this week, gifting him the belt with a special message: it would be “for one night only.” The move was a nod to WWE’s rich history and Rhodes’ desire to blend the old with the new.
WWE’s social media exploded with reactions, with fans and wrestling legends alike praising the decision. Photos and clips of Rhodes holding the belt flooded Twitter.
Rhodes’ entrance with the iconic title added an extra layer of prestige to his main event showdown with Kevin Owens. While the belt’s return may have been temporary, the emotional impact of seeing it back in the spotlight was undeniable.
What do you think about WWE bringing back the Winged Eagle Championship? Should it make a permanent return, or was this one-night nod to history enough? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you’d like to see more classic titles brought back to WWE!