Wrestling brothers Dustin and Cody Rhodes recently shared heartfelt tributes to their late father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, celebrating his lasting influence on their lives and careers.

Dustin, a 37-year veteran of the industry, took to social media on February 26, expressing how much he wished their father could be there to witness their success. “I know he’s there with us, but I mean here,” he wrote, emphasizing how proud Dusty would be of his family.

Cody, WWE’s reigning main event star, responded with a vivid recollection of Dusty’s daily habits—his love for a Wheatley Vodka hoodie, an RWA baseball cap, and his passion for film and classic wrestling storytelling. He humorously described how Dusty would quote Anthony Hopkins to young talent and recommend must-watch movies before they could consider themselves true wrestlers.

Dusty Rhodes’ Role as Coach and Mentor

Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer, was not only a legendary performer but also an influential booker, trainer, and broadcaster. His legacy continues to shape professional wrestling, with his sons carrying on his impact in their own ways.

Dusty Rhodes’ contributions to WWE extended far beyond his legendary in-ring career, with his work as a trainer and mentor at WWE’s developmental system, NXT, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Known as “Dusty’s Kids,” the roster of talent he helped shape includes some of the biggest names in wrestling today, such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens, and Sasha Banks.

Dusty was instrumental in helping these young performers find their voices, hone their characters, and develop their promo skills—a craft he himself had mastered. His unique ability to inspire confidence and creativity in his students has been widely celebrated, with many crediting him for their success. The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, introduced in NXT after his passing, serves as a lasting tribute to his mentorship and influence.

This legacy has even been woven into WWE’s storytelling. During the feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes leading up to WrestleMania 39 and 40, Paul Heyman emphasized Dusty’s role in mentoring Reigns, referring to him as “the son Dusty always wanted.”

This narrative added emotional depth to the rivalry, highlighting Dusty’s dual impact on both his biological sons and the broader wrestling world. Cody’s journey to fulfill “The American Dream” by capturing the WWE Championship—a title Dusty never held—has been deeply tied to his father’s legacy.

WWE’s incorporation of Dusty’s influence into this storyline not only honors his memory but also underscores the profound way he shaped the careers of those around him.

Drew McIntyre was a part of WWE’s Topps Rip Night in Jersey City, but the Scottish Warrior had more than trading cards on his mind. When McIntyre pulled a Cody Rhodes card from a pack, he warned the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion “I’m coming for you.” McIntyre will be a part of the Men’s Elimination Chamber match which will determine Rhodes’ challenger for WrestleMania 41 in April.

McIntyre later pulled a card featuring LA Knight, an individual the three-time former WWE World Champion has had issues with as of late. Referring to their issues stemming from the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, McIntyre shared that “Alright, let’s do the bit. My good buddy, LA Knight. See, I got your stuff in for you.”

McIntyre was reportedly left furious as Knight’s attempts to ‘get his stuff in’ affected Drew’s role in the Rumble, including his elimination. While these issues have seemingly simmered down, with the matter even being addressed on SmackDown, WWE are reportedly considering ditching a McIntyre Vs. Damian Priest feud, another idea McIntyre has taken issue with.

With McIntyre not a favorite to win the Elimination Chamber match, questions remain as to what his role at WrestleMania 41 will look like. Though WWE has yet to confirm anything, many believe a showdown with Knight is coming, especially after his comments this week.

The Rock’s beef with Cody Rhodes may not culminate with a match between the two, according to the Final Boss. Speaking after his appearance on WWE SmackDown, The Rock shared his mentality when it comes to going one-on-one with the American Nightmare.

“The Final Boss and Cody Rhodes, it’s not about the WWE title, it isn’t about a match, it isn’t about bleeding or anything like that that’s part of our world. It never has to culminate into a match.“

The Rock shared that the fact that his feud with Rhodes is so ‘personal’ that it may not end with a match is a “very special place” from a creative standpoint. The Brahma Bull is ready to have “fun” with Rhodes, even if a match isn’t in the works, and The Rock also highlighted that this angle gives the chance to develop “creatively, character-wise.”

The Rock’s comments about a match, or lack thereof, contrast greatly with early plans for WrestleMania 41. While for a time, a match between the two seemed a guarantee, it now appears that the pair’s WrestleMania 40 tag match will be the only time the two lock horns in a match.

On SmackDown, The Rock said he wants Cody’s soul, and in essence, intends for the American Nightmare to work under him and do his bidding. The Rock has given Rhodes until Elimination Chamber to give an answer, an event that The Rock will be in attendance for.

Elimination Chamber will also see Rhodes learn who he’ll face at WrestleMania 41, but with The Rock’s involvement, fans can’t count out meddling from The Final Boss. No matter what’s to come, WWE Elimination Chamber will prove to be a pivotal point on Rhodes’ road to WrestleMania.

The Rock has made a tall demand from Cody Rhodes.

The Final Boss made his WWE return at tonight’s SmackDown from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. As expected, he first announced WrestleMania 42 returning to New Orleans in 2026.

The Great One then called out the Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes. When the champ came out, Rock first discussed how the two have become friends after their WrestleMania encounter last year and shared a drink at Raw’s Netflix premiere.

• Xavier Woods Slams Cody Rhodes’ Horrible Personality

The Rock Wants Cody Rhodes’ Soul?

Things took an interesting turn after this, however, as The Hollywood star reminded Cody that he was a TKO board member and owned everything. He then presented an offer to the American Nightmare.

The Rock declared that he wanted Rhodes to be ‘his champion,’ claiming that it would help the former AEW star become an even bigger superstar than the Great One himself. The megastar gave Cody some time to think about his offer, declaring that he’ll return at Elimination Chamber for his answer.

The segment ended with the 52-year-old pointing at Cody saying that he wanted to own ‘it.’ When Rhodes mistook it for his championship belt, Rock clarified that he wanted to own Cody’s ‘soul.’

What being The Rock’s champion would mean for Cody Rhodes is unclear. We’ll have to tune in to Elimination Chamber from Toronto on March 1 to find some answers.

• The ‘Real’ Reason Shane McMahon’s AEW Appearance Never Happened

Former AEW star Ricky Starks made his debut in WWE NXT on last week’s episode after being sidelined by AEW for months. Starks had requested his release from AEW, but CEO Tony Khan initially refused to grant it.

It was widely believed that Starks would have to wait out the remainder of his contract before pursuing other opportunities, including the possibility of going to WWE. During this time, Starks made it clear that he wanted to wrestle, even booking independent dates while being kept off AEW TV. 

According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Khan expected Starks to leave AEW for WWE once his contract expired due to his close friendship with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. 

This week on NXT, Starks introduced his new ring name: Ricky Saints. Following the show, he appeared on Busted Open Radio, where he denied that his AEW status had been affected by his past appearances at WWE events, such as the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania to support Rhodes.

Starks emphasized that Khan had approved his presence at those events and claimed that certain AEW veterans interfered with his creative direction.

Xavier Woods has revealed his real problem with Cody Rhodes.

The New Day were interviewed recently by Shakiel Mahjouri to promote the upcoming release of WWE 2K25. They talked about things such as wanting nothing to do with Big E, a potential 2K showcase mode featuring their greatest matches and more.

Xavier Woods, who went to high school with the current Undisputed Champion was asked about his experience. The King of The Ring winner who has a background in amateur wrestling himself, did not take anything away from Cody’s wrestling ability but claimed that Rhodes is a horrible person in real life:

“Cody Rhodes. He is a second-generation wrestler, so you got all this family tree stuff. He’s got doors opening for him left and right regardless of where he goes..

He’s like a bad guy in an 80s movie. He is very good at wrestling. I can never take that away from him.

Very talented, multi-time state champion, tons of pins across the board. But his personality? Horrible. Made my life a living hell for years to the point where I wouldn’t have spit on him if he was on fire.”

• The ‘Real’ Reason Shane McMahon’s AEW Appearance Never Happened

That’s My Issue With Cody Rhodes: Xavier Woods

Xavier Woods also discussed how Cody Rhodes has become a fan favorite in recent times. He questioned the fans forgetting his past misdeeds:

“So that’s my issue with Cody Rhodes. Now the fact that I see him as WWE champion, he’s got the fanfare, he’s got the fireworks, he’s in all the interviews, he’s in all the YouTube shorts, he’s in everything. He’s all over the place. And I just don’t understand.

I thought that you’re supposed to be rewarded for good behavior, not bad. Then you just see like ‘Oh because you got a family lineage, we just forget everything.’ I get it. It’s cool.”

• Drunk Undertaker Gets Candid About Relationship With WWE Hall of Famer

The fans in Charlotte, North Carolina were treated to a special appearance from Cody Rhodes after the February 17, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw went off the air. In a special dark match, Rhodes received a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Charlotte to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Carmelo Hayes.

These two have a history, with Hayes ambushing Rhodes after an episode of Monday Night Raw in January 2025. This week, however, it was Rhodes who had the last laugh as he retained his title against ‘Him.’

Rhodes’ victory marks another succesful title defense for the Undisputed WWE Champion who has held the gold since WrestleMania 40 in April 2024. This match marked Rhodes’ 57th succesful title defense as the American Nightmare is proving himself as a workhorse champion.

With another win under his belt, Rhodes’ attention now turns to the Elimination Chamber 2025 Premium Live Event. While Rhodes isn’t set to compete in Toronto, the Men’s Chamber match will determine who will face the American Nightmare at WrestleMania 41. On Raw, Seth Rollins earned the final spot in the Chamber match, joining Drew McIntyre, John Cena, CM Punk, Logan Paul, and Damian Priest.

Ricky Starks has become the latest AEW alum to arrive in WWE as the former tag champion debuted during the February 11, edition of WWE NXT. Starks is not the only AEW name to go on to call WWE home, as he follows in the footstps of the following talents:

Cody Rhodes: A founding member of AEW, Cody Rhodes made a high-profile return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, reigniting his quest for a WWE World Championship.

Jade Cargill: After a dominant run as AEW’s TBS Champion, Cargill signed a multi-year contract with WWE in September 2023. She made her in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble in January 2024 and is a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.

CM Punk: Following a tumultuous tenure with AEW, CM Punk made a surprising return to WWE at Survivor Series in November 2023, marking a significant comeback after nearly a decade away from the company.

Penta: Formerly known as Pentagon Jr. in AEW, Penta debuted on WWE’s Raw in January 2025, securing a victory over Chad Gable. Becoming the Iron Man in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble demonstrates WWE’s faith in the masked star.

Shawn Spears: After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Spears returned to WWE in February 2024, appearing on NXT and continuing his “Chairman” persona. He has since been involved in various storylines, including a notable feud with Ridge Holland.

Blair Davenport: Briefly part of AEW under her real name, Bea Priestley, Davenport signed with WWE in 2021. She won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2023 and moving to the SmackDown roster in 2024 before her recent release from WWE.

Lexis King: After making waves in AEW under his real name of Brian Pillman Jr., Lexis King signed with WWE in 2024. He debuted on NXT, where he is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup holder, and retained the cup on this week’s NXT against TNA’s JDC.

Andrade: Andrade returned to WWE in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match after a handful of years in AEW. He has since gone on to hold the WWE Speed Championship.

Many former AEW names have gone on to hold championships in WWE while some are awaiting their big break. It remains to be seen what direction Starks’ future takes in the company but his arrival has left fans excited to see what’s to come.

Now that Penta El Zero Miedo has arrived in WWE, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who’s next?

In an interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta revealed a stacked list of dream opponents—including some of WWE’s biggest names. While he’s ready to take on anyone, two matches stand out as personal goals: a showdown with John Cena and a rematch with CM Punk.

“I had one match with CM Punk. He won. I need revenge,” Penta declared. “The rematch with him, with Cody [Rhodes] too. But for me, a special dream match is Penta versus John Cena or Penta versus Finn Balor.”

The luchador also named Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker as potential opponents, proving he has his sights set on WWE’s top stars. But beyond individual matchups, Penta has one goal above all else: championship gold.

“No matter who is in the ring, no matter what he won—I want to win everything in WWE,” he said.

With Cero Miedo as his battle cry, Penta is ready to take on the best WWE has to offer. Now, it’s just a matter of who steps up first.

It’s been years since Cody Rhodes last appeared for All Elite Wrestling, but the promotion hasn’t forgotten about the former EVP. On this week’s Dynamite, MJF brought up Cody in a tense in-ring face-off with the American Nightmare’s brother Dustin Rhodes.

MJF began his promo by mentioned that he got rid of Jeff Jarrett and that AEW stands for ‘All Elderly Wrestling’ thanks to Double-J. During his segement, MJF was interrupted by Max Caster and Hangman Page, before Dustin Rhodes arrived on the scene.

Dustin made it clear that MJF should keep Owen Hart’s name out of his mouth. He also criticized MJF for bringing up past addiction, pointing out that he had fought and overcame addiction. Rhodes added that MJF is not “the devil” because he has been to hell and made it out alive. He firmly declared that he is better than MJF—and that MJF knows it.

Never at a loss for words, MJF fired back by saying it took Dustin his whole career to get out of his father’s shadow and now he’s in the shadow of his little baby brother. This was a nod to Cody who has seen immense success since returning to WWE in April 2022.

These comments prompted Dustin to hit MJF and the two men brawled. Though security was able to split the pair, MJF escaped and kicked Rhodes in the crotch. It remains to be seen what’s to come for the two, but fans can expect that this showdown won’t be the last time MJF and Dustin Rhodes share the ring.

Cody Rhodes’ reign as Undisputed WWE Champion is truly undiusputed after retaining the gold against Kevin Owens at the 2025 Royal Rumble. In the penultimate match of the night, Owens and Rhodes didn’t hold back in their battle to determine the true WWE Champion.

With another victory to his name, Rhodes’ attention turns towards WrestleMania 41 and who will face him for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Should he still be champion, the April 2025 event will be Rhodes’ third consecutive year in a WWE World Championship at the Showcase of the Immortals.

The 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is taking place from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The card for the show includes:

• Charlotte Flair won the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match.
• Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Kevin Owens
• Men’s Royal Rumble Match
• Two-Out-of-Three Falls for the WWE Tag Team Championship: #DIY (c) defeated Motor City Machine Guns

Stay tuned to SEScoops for more from the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, including breaking news and live results.

2025 Royal Rumble: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

Cody Rhodes has explained why he is not overly enthusiastic about potentially facing John Cena during his retirement tour in 2025.

The Cenation Leader has announced that he’ll be competing in WWE throughout the year before calling it a career at the end of 2025. Top names such as CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton have expressed interest in sharing the ring with Cena one more time before he hangs his boots for good.

The Undisputed WWE Champion was also asked about potentially getting in the ring with Cena during an interview with Theonemona. Cody Rhodes noted that he is one of the people who has not expressed the same interest in a potential John Cena match as many other:

“One thing that’s been on my mind I think, when he announced he was retiring, is a lot of guys jumped to the line of, ‘I want to wrestle John.’ A lot of guys jumped to the ‘I want to do something with John.’ Of course I’m probably the one who didn’t hold his hand up, and that’s simply because John is everything to me.”

• WrestleMania 41 Plans Take Shape for John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock

I Don’t Love This Is It: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes explained that John Cena is one of his biggest heroes and someone who he learned a lot from during his early years in WWE. According to the American Nightmare he almost dreads the idea of being tasked with defeating the 16-time world champion if the two do come face to face:

“There’s been so many guys I’m a product of, who I took a little something from. The most that I’ve taken from anybody ever would be from John. That was from driving those few years with him, seeing how he did his interactions with fans, seeing how he would do main events, seeing how he was the quarterback, the leader, all those things. So when I hear this is it, it’s still not fully for me.

I don’t love this is it, and I know it is. I know he means it when he says it, but I want to watch like a fan. I almost dread the idea of what that would look like, because when you’re up against John now, you’re tasked to beat John Cena in his final run. That’s why I’m not raising my hand to be in that spot.”

• Cody Rhodes Explains When He Plans to Retire

Cody Rhodes made the save for Damain Priest and LA Knight after this week’s SmackDown from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana went off air.

The main event of the Royal Rumble go-home show saw Knight and Priest battling Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in a tag team match. This came after the former Bloodline duo interrupted Priest’s promo earlier in the night and declared that they were ‘off the leash.’

Priest managed to win the match for his team by pinning Tonga after Knight took out Fatu with a clothesline through the barricade. The Samoan Warewolf, however, didn’t stay out for long. Fatu attacked Priest immediately after the bell, and the show ended with the former Bloodline star standing tall.

• Cody Rhodes Reacts to Fan’s Disney Marathon Tribute

What Happened After SmackDown

Cody Rhodes made the save for Damian Priest and LA Knight after SmackDownpic.twitter.com/DFFmDvwtUa

— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) February 1, 2025

The duo of Fatu and Tonga kept attacking their opponents even after the broadcast had ended. This continued till Cody Rhodes came out to make the save. The Undisputed WWE Champion sent Fatu retreating with a Cody Cutter. The babyface trio then took turns hitting Tama Tonga to end the segment:

Apart from this, the show saw a surprise appearance from CM Punk. The Straight Edge Star confronted Kevin Owens and the two had an intense promo battle before Owens backed off from a fight with Punk.

More names such as Chelsea Green, Zelina Vega and Candice LeRae also declared their entry into Royal Rumble tonight. You can check out our Royal Rumble hub for all the latest news regarding the show.

• Cody Rhodes Explains When He Plans to Retire

AEW star and current ROH World Tag Team Champion Dustin Rhodes has spoken out about the possibility of facing his younger brother, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, in the ring again.

Despite speculation that he might return to WWE, Dustin recently re-signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), surprising some fans who expected a Rhodes family reunion in WWE.

Dustin Rhodes on Cody’s Success

On January 30, Dustin took to social media to express his pride in Cody’s accomplishments, emphasizing their family’s legacy in professional wrestling.

“I get asked daily about how I feel about Cody’s success. I love it and I am super proud. Proud of him, proud of my dad, proud of our family. We all 3 have different styles that stand us out and Cody has definitely surpassed every expectation of him.

We are all different in many ways and each of us have left its mark on the world of pro wrestling and entertainment and that #RhodesTrain ain’t stopping. #RhodesFam”

When a fan suggested that the story between them wasn’t over until they faced off for the WWE Championship, Dustin shut down the idea completely.

“No. I will never fight him again. I wouldn’t dare touch something so magical.”

A Legendary Match That Won’t Be Repeated

Dustin and Cody last squared off at AEW Double or Nothing 2019 in a match that is widely regarded as one of the greatest bouts in AEW history. Their emotional, hard-hitting encounter stole the show at AEW’s inaugural pay-per-view and remains a defining moment for both wrestlers.

While fans may have hoped for one last Rhodes family showdown, Dustin’s statement makes it clear that their chapter in the ring is closed. However, both brothers continue to leave their mark on the wrestling world in their own ways.

CM Punk has dreamed of headlining WrestleMania for years, and his journey to Allegiant Stadium could put him on a collision course with Cody Rhodes. During the January 27, edition of WWE Raw, Rhodes spoke to the crowd in Atlanta about this weekend’s 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, where he’ll face Kevin Owens in a ladder match.

CM Punk interrupted Rhodes’ promo, and though he reiterated that he is Cody’s friend, had some choice words for the American Nightmare. Reflecting on his 434-day WWE title reign, Punk said he could see that Cody is stretching himself too thin, and that whoever wins the Royal Rumble will take the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania.

Punk then shared that he will be the one to do exactly that, teasing that Punk plans on challenging Rhodes in April should he win the Royal Rumble. Cody said he’s rooting for Punk this Sunday, as he plans on showing that the “Best in the World” isn’t the Best in the World anymore at WrestleMania 41.

Monday Night Raw went off the air with a tense stare down between the two ‘friends’, both of whom have big plans for WWE’s two-night megashow in April. It’s worth remembering that the two were the finalists in last year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match which ended with Rhodes eliminating the Straight Edge Superstar. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from the 2025 Royal Rumble and to see whether Punk punches his ticket to WrestleMania 41 and a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.

Cody Rhodes came out to show his appreciation for his friend Jey Uso after the January 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio went off air.

The Yeet Man challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of tonight’s show. Despite a valiant effort, the Bloodline star unfortunately came up short and the Ring General retained the title with two back-to-back Powerbombs.

The American Nightmare came out after Gunther had left the arena and the broadcast had come to an end. He cut a short promo for Uso who remained in the ring and proclaimed that Jey’s time will come one day:

“Michael Cole just said it, you guys all know it, you just watched that match. He said Jey Uso’s time will come. I know it doesn’t feel good Jey, I’ve been there. But you’re a champion to me, you’re a champion to everybody here, let’s hear it for my friend Jey Uso.”

• Cody Rhodes Explains When He Plans to Retire

Cody Rhodes then hugged Jey before turning his attention to Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias who was sitting with the audience. Rhodes invited the celebrity to the ring and the three stars then played the crowd to end the show on a happy note.

The Undisputed WWE Champion had his own segment at tonight’s show before this where he signed the contract for his upcoming Royal Rumble match with Kevin Owens. The segment ended with the moderator Shawn Michaels getting physical and delivering a Sweet Chin Music. You can watch that here.

Kevin Owens got taken out by Shawn Michaels at the January 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio, Texas.

The Heartbreak Kid moderated the contract signing segment between KO and Cody Rhodes for their upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship ladder match at Royal Rumble. Michaels claimed that his one job was to get both the contenders to sign the contract before introducing both the champion and the challenger.

Owens came out wearing a ‘Cody sucks eggs’ shirt, a play at old Dusty Rhodes insult from Dory Funk Jr. who used to call the American Dream an ‘egg-sucking dog.’ Shawn told both the stars to sit down but they refused. The WWE Hall of Famer then talked about their rivalry before prompting them to sign the contract which Cody did.

• Kevin Owens Says He Has Tried To Bring Shawn Michaels Out Of Retirement

Kevin however, opted to cut a promo taking objection to Rhodes saying that he takes ‘the easy way out.’ The former Universal Champion reminded Rhodes of their Bash In Berlin match and told Cody that he ‘quit’ WWE when things got tough. KO said that he’s taking everything from his former friend, to which Michaels responded saying that Owens sounds jealous.

The former NXT Champion then went off on HBK too, telling him that he won’t be a champion that ‘loses his smile.’ Kevin Owens finally signed the contract. A referee came out to take both the original WWE title and the Winged Eagle belt and hung them to a hook above the ring.

Shawn Michaels then tried to shake both their hands but Owens got a cheap shot in on Cody as the WWE Legend was interacting with him. HBK then shoved Owens and Kevin in response kicked Michaels. He set up the veteran for a package piledriver but Rhodes kicked him in the face. Shawn then removed his jacket and delivered a Sweet Chin Music to Kevin to end the segment.

Cody Rhodes invited Matthew McConaughey to the ring after this week’s episode of SmackDown from Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

The main event of this week’s episode of the Blue Branded Show featured Kevin Owens taking on Jimmy Uso. The former Universal Champion picked up the victory in this match using a Pop-Up Powerbomb.

The Undisputed WWE Champion came out to make the save for Uso when Owens continued attacking him after the bout. The show went off air with the two Royal Rumble opponents brawling with each other.

WWE later shared an off-air video of Cody inviting the hometown star to the ring after KO had retreated. Following the tradition, Rhodes gifted his signed weight belt to a young fan after sharing a moment with McConaughey:

What a night! ? @CodyRhodes and @McConaughey shared a special moment with a fan after #SmackDown! ? pic.twitter.com/vvy13CK20d

— WWE (@WWE) January 25, 2025

• The Miz & Damian Priest Moved To WWE SmackDown, Tag Team Moved To Raw In Transfer Window

The Hollywood star wasn’t the only big name at the show. Other celebrities such as Shane Gillis, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias, Tony Hinchcliffe, and WWE legends Michelle McCool & Mark Henry were in attendance as well.

The Undertaker while not seen during the broadcast of the show, was in the arena too. The WWE Hall of Famer greeted Matthew McConaughey backstage and gifted the acting star a legacy WWE belt.

Cody Rhodes will be appearing on tonight’s Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio. He’ll be signing the contract for his upcoming Royal Rumble match with Kevin Owens in a segment hosted by Shawn Michaels.

The Rhodes family has been an established force in wrestling for decades, with Dusty, Dustin, and Cody forging their own legacies in the ring. Now, fans could soon be seeing more Rhodes’ in action via the nephews of the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.

Before SmackDown, Cody was spotted backstage with Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes, who both have joined the family business of pro wrestling. The trio also showed off a one-of-a-kind image of Cody, autographed by all three men.

Wyatt and Wayne made their AEW debuts last August during a dark match ahead of Collision, where they defeated Aaron Solo and Jon Cruz That show proved to be extra special for the Rhodes family, as on that night, Dustin became a ROH World Tag Team Champion alongside Sammy Guevara.

The Rhodes family is currently at its arguable peak of success, with both Cody and Dustin holding gold in their respective promotions. It remains to be seen where Wayne and Wyatt one day appear at a WWE event as Superstars rather than as guests, but the future looks bright for the famed wrestling family.

Tattoos are common in professional wrestling, with many wrestlers sporting multiple designs that have become synonymous with their presentation. In WWE, Cody Rhodes has perhaps the most striking tattoo of them all on his neck, and Sheamus isn’t in any hurry to follow suit.

During an appearance on The Masked Men Show, Sheamus questioned if Rhodes had 20 bourbons before sitting in the tattoo chair, believing that only somebody inebriated would see the ink as a good idea. When asked how many pints of Guinness it’d take to get sufficiently wasted, Sheamus doubted he’d survive the amount of alcohol needed.

“There’s no way. I would die of liver and kidney failure before that happened… My personal choice is not a bleeding chance.”

Sheamus shared that in addition to potential public ridicule, having an ‘Irish Nightmare’ neck tattoo would draw mockery within his own family. Sheamus’ father would never let him live it down, the former WWE World Champion added.

Cody Rhodes Shocked by Legend’s Reaction to His Neck Tattoo

Rhodes debuted his tattoo at AEW Revolution 2020 ahead of his match with MJF. Instantly, talk and memes sprouted on social media, so much so that the match was overshadowed by the tattoo. Nearly five-years on, Rhodes’ tattoo remains a unique part of his persona, especially with Sheamus wanting nothing similar to the American Nightmare.

H/T – Wrestling News

A fan of Cody Rhodes proved their devotion is ‘undeniable’ by running the Disney Dopey marathon dressed as the American Nightmare. On X, a user named Daz shared some photos from the run which caught the attention of the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.

The Dopey Challenge is one of Disney’s most grueling running events. Named after the lovable dwarf from Snow White, the challenge spans four consecutive days: a 5K on the first day, a 10K on the second, a half marathon on Saturday, and the Disney World Marathon on Sunday.

Rhodes and his wife, Brandi, are known fans of Disney, frequently visiting parks across the U.S. This fan’s creative costume highlights the deep connection Rhodes shares with his audience, a bond that has cemented him as one of WWE’s most beloved Superstars.

Chelsea Green Celebrates Historic WWE Title Win at Disney

Cody Rhodes In WWE

Back in WWE, Rhodes’ attention is on the Royal Rumble on February 1, where he will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in a ladder match. Should he retain, Rhodes will focus on WrestleMania 41 and a possible showdown against one of WWE’s all-time greats.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cody Rhodes, as the American Nightmare’s popularity continues to prove impossible to ignore.

The Rock and Cody Rhodes’ on-screen beef is seemingly finished, resulting in footage filmed with the two potentially never seeing the light of day. On the historic WWE Raw debut on Netflix, The Rock praised Cody and the pair shared a hug inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome.

Rhodes and The Rock filmed a segment at the Moana 2 premiere that now may never be aired. According to Fightful, segment would’ve seen the two squash the beef between them, but that the segment on Raw covered the same topics as the Moana 2 segment. Sean Ross Sapp added that given what transpired on Raw, the segment filmed at the film premiere didn’t need to see the light of day.

WWE Stars Attend Moana 2 Premiere in Hawaii

While Raw marked the end of the Rock-Rhodes angle to many, the Final Boss’ appearance on WWE NXT teased that their feud may not be over just yet. Seemingly addressing the backlash to his year-long feud with Rhodes being abruptly ended, Rock teased that he was 20 steps ahead of everyone else, and encouraged fans to stay tuned.

With his issues with The Rock in the rear-view mirror (at least for the time being,) Rhodes attention turns to the Royal Rumble, where he’ll face Kevin Owens in a Ladder match. Stay tuned for the latest on both Cody Rhodes and The Rock, and whether the pair ever do battle in a WWE ring.

WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes recently made a surprise appearance in Dude Perfect’s latest YouTube video, which unveiled their new headquarters in Frisco, Texas. The video, titled “We Built The World’s Greatest Office,” showcases Dude Perfect’s impressive new 80,000-square-foot facility, complete with state-of-the-art video production capabilities.

In the video, Cody Rhodes is seen sitting in one of the Dude Perfect offices, explaining that it was their Cody who wanted “The American Nightmare” to be there. Rhodes fully embraced the fun atmosphere of Dude Perfect, shooting a Nerf gun and going down a huge slide.

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What is Dude Perfect?

Dude Perfect is an American sports and comedy group consisting of five friends: Tyler Toney, Cory and Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, and Cody Jones. Founded in 2009, they gained fame through their YouTube channel, which features trick shots, stunts, and comedic videos. With over 60 million subscribers and billions of views, Dude Perfect has become a global phenomenon.

The guys are known for their family-friendly content, including trick shots, stereotypes, and battles. The group has expanded beyond YouTube, creating a TV show, going on live tours, and breaking multiple Guinness World Records.

Features of the New Dude Perfect Headquarters

Here’s a rundown of what’s inside ‘DPHQ3’ and a video providing a lengthy tour of the state-of the-art facility.

• A full video production facility spanning 20,000 square feet
• Additional 60,000 square feet for business operations
• State-of-the-art technology provided by Samsung
• A Dude Perfect museum
• A mini-golf course
• Restaurants

The Rock was part of this week’s WWE NXT, during which he teased that his issues with Cody Rhodes are far from over.

The Final Boss appeared during a segment with Ethan Page, who was seen confronting Ava. The Rock interrupted Page’s complaints and addressed him directly about breaking Je’Von Evans’ jaw. In classic Rock fashion, he warned Page that “payback’s gonna be a b***h.”

The Rock made it clear that Ava is the real boss in NXT, adding that if Page wants to stay on The Rock’s good side, he needs to respect Ava. Later, Ava and The Rock shared a heartfelt on-screen moment with Ava saying it was special to have her father around.

Later in the night, The Rock cut a promo and mentioned Cody Rhodes, referencing his recent supportive gesture toward the American Nightmare during the RAW Netflix debut. Addressing skeptics, he assured fans that he was thinking several steps ahead and urged them to trust the journey he’s taking them on.

Despite the show’s time constraints, The Rock joked that they could “go all night.” He dropped an unscripted f-bomb but quickly apologized for it before ending the night by thanking the fans for their passion and emphasized their importance to NXT.

The Rock’s comments about Cody Rhodes come as a relief to fans of his popular heel run of 2024, many of whom took issue with Rock and Rhodes being fine with each other on Raw. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on The Rock, as despite what was said during the red brand’s debut on Netflix, the Brahma Bull may not be finished with the American Nightmare after all.

WrestleMania 41 Plans Take Shape for John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock

Vanessa Hudgens brought a touch of A-Lister glamor to WWE SmackDown this week, with a fun moment in Phoenix, Arizona.

Hudgens, known for her breakout role in High School Musial, attended the event at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. After the show, Cody Rhodes invited Hudgens into the ring, setting the stage for a crowd-pleasing “yeet” celebration. Hudgens performed the popular gesture alongside Rhodes, The Usos, and Sami Zayn.

This isn’t Hudgens’ first interaction with WWE. In November, she acknowledged Roman Reigns during an episode of Raw and met WWE Superstar Bianca Belair backstage. Last month, Hudgens admitted that Rhea Ripley is her ‘Girl Crush’ and that she could “just watch her forever.”

Hudgens’ role at this week’s SmackDown wasn’t confined to what happened after the show. During SmackDown Hudgens also shared her love for Chelsea Green as she placed her hand to her heart in recognition of the longest-reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion.

Hudgens is one of several celebrities who have shared their love for WWE. With WrestleMania 41 drawing closer, celebs are lining up to have a role on the April 2025 show, according to Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE as the company continues to prove a hotbed for celebrity involvement in wrestling.