WWE Chief Operating Officer and former 14-time world champion Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque led the congratulations for Cody Rhodes after he dethroned Roman Reigns to become the WWE Universal Champion.

Rhodes defeated Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40 on Sunday night, ending Reigns 1,316-day run as world champion, the longest in the company in almost four decades.

Rhodes is the son of the late Dusty Rhodes, who was one of the most accomplished American wrestlers of all-time to never hold a WWE world championship.

Now, his son has gotten to that helm, with the support of many of his peers, and Levesque, his boss.

‘His story has made history’ Triple H said, posing with Cody just behind the curtain with his new world-championship belt. Others were also quick to give praise to Rhodes.

Triple H poses with Cody Rhodes after the conclusion of WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia

Roman Reigns headlined his ninth WrestleMania on Sunday, an all-time record, against Rhodes

‘Grateful to spend time with the #WWE Universe & be a part of #WrestleMania!’ said John Cena, who interfered in the main-event match on Rhodes’ behalf. ‘Congratulations to @CodyRhodes on a history making achievement! And the best part of it all… the @WWE story NEVER ENDS!!!!’

‘Shoutout Cody,’ New York Knick guard Jalen Brunson said, immediately after scoring 43 points in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

‘It resonates because it’s real,’ said Amanda Huber, wife of the late Luke Harper/Brodie Lee. Huber’s son, Brodie, was in the ring to celebrate Rhodes’ victory.

‘It’s everything you ever want…it’s everything you ever need, and it’s here right in front of you. This is where you want to be,’ said Brandi Rhodes, who appeared with Cody during his WrestleMania entrance.

A collection of social-media messages congratulating Cody on his championship victory

Rhodes debuted with WWE in 2006 and stayed with the company for a decade, before leaving 2016 frustrated with his standing and creative direction.

In his six years away from WWE, he helped found rival All Elite Wrestling in 2019 alongside Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Tony Khan and others.

Rhodes returned to WWE in April 2022 at WrestleMania 38, defeating Seth Rollins.

This was Rhodes second WrestleMania main event, also facing Reigns in a losing effort at last year’s show.