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Tag: Cody Rhodes

  • WWE had No World Title Plans for Cody Rhodes Before Injury

    WWE had No World Title Plans for Cody Rhodes Before Injury

    Cody Rhodes may not be as destined to be a WWE World Champion as first thought, despite his booking since returning to the company.

    Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania: Saturday in April 2022 and was booked incredibly well before his injury in June.

    The American Nightmare has spoken about his intention to become a World Champion in WWE, fulfilling a promise to his late-father Dusty Rhodes.

    Not Championship Material?

    Between this promise and Cody’s booking, many believe it’s just a matter of time before Rhodes holds a World Championship, a feat he didn’t accomplish in AEW.

    Cody is the arguable favorite among fans to dethrone Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, but that may not be the case.

    Fightful Select reports that when WWE rehired Rhodes, Vince McMahon had no concrete plans in place for Rhodes to become WWE or Universal Champion.

    While many in the company assumed it would happen eventually, Fightful note that “no firm plans” were in place.

    Roman Reigns

    Cody Rhodes wasn’t going to dethrone Roman Reigns prior to his injury, but WWE didn’t plan on anyone else doing the honors.

    In their report, Fightful add that McMahon was “all on board” with Reigns unifying the WWE and Universal Championships at WrestleMania: Sunday.

    It’s also noted that no ideas were suggested to McMahon that would have resulted in Reigns losing either title, prior to Vince’s retirement in July this year.

    Reigns will face Logan Paul at WWE Crown Jewel next month, with either Rhodes or The Rock expected to face him at WrestleMania 39.

    Update on Plans for Cody Rhodes When He Returns from Injury
  • Seth Rollins Reveals How His Match Against Cody Rhodes At Hell In A Cell Helped Repair His Reputation In WWE

    Seth Rollins Reveals How His Match Against Cody Rhodes At Hell In A Cell Helped Repair His Reputation In WWE

    Cody Rhodes made his shocking return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent.

    The American Nightmare picked up the win at the biggest show of the year, and went on to defeat Seth at WrestleMania Backlash and one more time at WWE Hell in a Cell.

    Rhodes tore his pec while training for the Hell in a Cell match and revealed the gruesome injury at the Premium Live Event. Despite the injury, Cody defeated Seth for the third time in a row. Cody remains out with injury as Rollins gears up for his Fight Pit match against Matt Riddle at WWE Extreme Rules on October 8th.

    Seth Rollins On How He Got More Respect Following The Match At HIAC

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, Seth noted that his match against Cody Rhodes at WWE Hell in a Cell actually helped restore his reputation with fans a little bit. The Visionary said that he had gotten a lot of grief online after wrestlers had previously gotten injured in matches with him, and Cody coming out of that match without any further injury earned Seth more respect.

    “It really went a long way in repairing my reputation,” said Rollins.”I had gotten so much flack online for some injuries that had happened in matches that I was in and whether they were caused by me, directly or indirectly, is a whole different can of worms.

    I think people were like ‘oh maybe he does know how to take care of people in the ring’. Yeah, duh. But yeah, I think it was more visually jarring than anything.

    Was there a danger for me in being in there with someone who only has one good arm? Absolutely. But again, we’re professionals and we can design these matches to take care of each other in ways that still create captivating stories and moments.

    I think that in some ways the match may not have been as special without that visual of his completely torn, bloody, and bruised arm, chest, and belly. Whatever was going on there.”

    H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

  • Seth Rollins On Going Winless Against Cody Rhodes In WWE: “He Needed To Re-Establish Himself”

    Seth Rollins On Going Winless Against Cody Rhodes In WWE: “He Needed To Re-Establish Himself”

    Seth Rollins had a tremendous rivalry with Cody Rhodes in 2022 after The American Nightmare made his return to WWE.

    Former CEO Vince McMahon in storyline handpicked Cody as Seth’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania 38. The former AEW EVP and TNT Champion made his shocking return to the company at the biggest Premium Live Event of the year and picked up a victory over Seth. The American Nightmare would defeat Seth Rollins again at WrestleMania Backlash.

    Cody beat Seth for a third time at Hell in a Cell but suffered a torn pec leading up to the match. Seth attacked Cody on the following RAW as a way to write him off of television.

    Seth Rollins On Going Winless Against Cody Rhodes

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, The Visionary said that losing to Cody three times added to the chip on his shoulder because he felt like he was catapulting someone else to a position he deserved. The 36-year-old claimed that he got “more respect” backstage following their rivalry and added that their WrestleMania match was made at the last minute.

    “When we finally got the news, which was very last minute as far as WrestleMania is concerned. I knew that was going to be my match and I think it was pretty obvious to me which way things were going to lean. It didn’t stop me from being a little frustrated.

    Again, feeling like I was being used to catapult somebody else into a position I felt like I deserved. So that was kind of demoralizing, but that is just more of a chip on my shoulder.”

    I definitely think I came out of it a lot better than when I went into it. I don’t think in any way that I suffered from losing three times in a row. If anything, I in some ways got more respect for having the humility to put my own self-interest aside to work with someone who, incoming back into this world (WWE) from his past world (AEW), he needed it a lot more than I did.

    My equity is not going anywhere and he needed to re-establish himself.”

    H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Tried to Help AEW Re-sign Cody Rhodes

    Warner Bros. Discovery Tried to Help AEW Re-sign Cody Rhodes

    When the news of Cody Rhodes leaving AEW came out earlier this year, it stunned fans as he was preparing to make a return to WWE once he couldn’t reach an agreement for a new deal with Tony Khan. 

    Fightful Select reported today that in speaking with Warner Bros Discovery sources, there were several efforts made within the company to retain Rhodes in AEW. 

    Rhodes created a solid relationship with WarnerMedia through working on AEW, Rhodes to the Top, and Go Big Show programming. The report stated that the Rhodes WWE deal wasn’t official until a few weeks before WrestleMania, even though WWE considered it a foregone conclusion. 

    Warner Bros. Discovery Wanted Rhodes to Stay

    Cody Rhodes
    (via AEW)

    The report noted that after the merger of Warner Bros. Discovery, “there were inquiries in the company completely separate from AEW to gauge Rhodes’ interest in staying.”

    Some sources told Fightful that an effort was made to reach out to Rhodes through Sam Linskey, who serves as Associate General Manager and Senior Vice President of Scripted Original programming for TNT, TBS, and TruTv. 

    There wasn’t any ill will between either side, and Rhodes had told those who asked that it was “time to leave the territory.” He made similar comments in various interviews. 

    Due to the Rhodes’ connections across multiple Warner Bros. Discovery shows, they were also contacted to possibly participate in the UpFronts. 

    WBD sources said they would have loved it if Rhodes had stayed, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. Sources within the company said they’ve been happy with AEW, particularly with their numbers in September.

  • Cody Rhodes On His Eventual Return From Injury: “Hopefully It’s A Run People Remember”

    Cody Rhodes On His Eventual Return From Injury: “Hopefully It’s A Run People Remember”

    Cody Rhodes is ready to get back into the ring for WWE.

    The American Nightmare has been on the shelf since June with a torn pec, with his last match being the classic Hell in a Cell encounter against Seth Rollins where his injury was present for the whole world to see. Rhodes was heavily applauded by fans, colleagues, and analysts for his gutsy performance on that night, but it came at a time when he was the hottest act in WWE.

    However, Rhodes remains optimistic. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports the former three-time AEW TNT champion is ready to get back into the squared circle, and even hints that his run this time will be even more epic than the first. He does add that doctors are refusing to give him a return timetable due to a fear that he will test its limits.

    “You know they haven’t really given me one because they know I’m stupid, and I’d try to test it. I got in my mind where I want to be, and I think a lot of fans have in their mind where I’d like to be, and that’s hopefully where it’s at.

    Right now, I do actually agree with what’s going on because I think what happens next hopefully and what we do, and this is all speculative up in the air. Hopefully, it’s a run that people remember, and I got to be healthy for it.”

    “Best Three Months Of My Life”

    Rhodes was also asked about how he feels WWE has handled his return.

    “No complaints. They’ve treated me like the house that built me, which they were. And honestly, it was amazing. We were back, and everything was rolling so fast, and then I tore my pec. It was like the best three months of my life. Hopefully, get back to that soon. I was told I have the strength of an 11-year-old, but I was pretty strong at 11. Hopefully soon.”

    Speculation is that Rhodes will be back in time for the Royal Rumble, which many fans believe he will win and go on to challenge for the world title at WrestleMania 39.

  • “People Want That Spotlight” – MJF On How The Locker Room Reacted To Cody Rhodes Leaving AEW

    “People Want That Spotlight” – MJF On How The Locker Room Reacted To Cody Rhodes Leaving AEW

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known as MJF in AEW, joined Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour today.

    He discussed several topics, including getting paid more money by Tony Khan without having to sign an extension. MJF was asked about The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes and his departure from All Elite Wrestling earlier this year. Cody was one of the original EVPs of the company but jumped to WWE at WrestleMania 38.

    The American Nightmare was revealed to be Seth Rollins opponent at WrestleMania and went on to defeat him three times before tearing his pectoral muscle before WWE Hell in a Cell.

    Max said that Cody Rhodes is a businessman just like himself and did what he had to do. The 26-year-old called the tribalism within fans nowadays “cute” before bringing up Terry Funk. He said that Terry traveled from territory to territory throughout his career because he was a draw like MJF.

    Ariel asked MJF about how the AEW locker room responded to Cody exiting the company and he said that Cody leaving gave opportunities to other stars on the roster.

    “I think honesty favorably, not favorably in the sense like ‘yay Cody’s gone!’ but favorable in the sense that we are all professional wrestlers and what happens when somebody leaves is it opens room for opportunity for another person to step up to the plate. And you know, that is wrestling.

    Wrestling is cyclical, it is like a wheel. As somebody who has the highest wrestling IQ in the history of this business, I can tell you when big names leave big names step up. That is just how this business works and that is a fact.

    So again, I think people who were friends with Cody were sad to see him go on a personal level. But this is a very competitive sport. People want that spotlight and people stepped up to the plate.” [11:52 – 12:37]

    If you use any quotes from this article, please credit MMA Hour and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Chris Jericho Discusses Cody Rhodes’ Decision To Never Challenge For AEW Title

    Chris Jericho Discusses Cody Rhodes’ Decision To Never Challenge For AEW Title

    Cody Rhodes was one of the top stars of AEW when the company kicked off. Everybody was sure that he would be a world champion in the promotion one day until he made the decision to never challenge for the title. The former AEW EVP announced this stipulation for his match against Chris Jericho at Full Gear 2019. His loss has left a lot of people puzzled to this day.

    The latest Talk Is Jericho episode was a recording of The Jericho Chronicles from Glasgow. Chris spoke about Cody’s decision to never challenge for the top title of the company he helped build. Jericho mentioned that Rhodes probably wanted people to understand that he wouldn’t take advantage of his power:

    “He was adamant. I’m still not too sure why he you put that rule that he can never challenge for the world title again. For whatever reason, that was completely his idea.” said Chris Jericho, “I guess maybe he wanted people to know that he wasn’t just gonna win the title. He wanted to be the face of the company.

    We’re all faces of the company but he really embraced the EVP part of it. The other guys kind of did it in the shadows, but he was doing it on camera and all that sort of thing. So I think he wanted people to understand that he wasn’t gonna take advantage of this position that he was in and he did the ‘I’ll never fight for the world title.’”

    Cody Rhodes has admitted in later interviews that the call was a mistake. It probably was the inspiration behind Rhodes’ decision to leave AEW and return to WWE.

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    If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

  • Cody Rhodes Speaks Highly Of His Run In ROH

    Cody Rhodes Speaks Highly Of His Run In ROH

    Cody Rhodes says he had a “lovely time” during his run with Ring of Honor.

    When the American Nightmare departed WWE for the first time in 2016 he set out to change his image completely, eventually teaming up with top talents like Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, as well as a successful run in NJPW and indies all across the world.

    One of those spots was at Ring of Honor, with Rhodes capturing the promotion’s top prize, the Ring of Honor world championship. Rhodes shared a photo of himself carrying the belt recently on Twitter as he was celebrating his anniversary with Brandi Rhodes and decided to use a throwback. His tweet reads:

    “Happy Anniversary @TheBrandiRhodes. Today is the best day. Thank you for the endless unspoken sacrifices you’ve made for me, for being the best mom, and being the ultimate confidant (oldie but a goodie pic).”

    Rhodes says competing in ROH helped shaped him into the competitor he is today

    A fan would see Rhodes’ photo and compliment him for his time with ROH, calling it the beginning of the eventual revolution that would eventually form AEW. Rhodes agreed, and wrote the following back to the fan.

    “Lovely time – ROH was so good for me. Got to work w/the Bucks, big Frank, Lethal, Hunter/CD, Joe & Greg, Chrissy, and a super underrated production team that allowed me to play my music uninterrupted. We got to legit change the wrestling world and shaped me as a competitor/person.”

    You can see their exchange below.

    Aside from the ROH world title Rhodes captured the IWGP United States championship, and the NWA world’s championship. His involvement at ROH, along with the Bucks and Omega, helped bring the promotion to their greatest financial heights before they would eventually sell to Tony Khan.

  • “It Wouldn’t Exist” – Cody Rhodes on His Role in AEW’s Creation

    “It Wouldn’t Exist” – Cody Rhodes on His Role in AEW’s Creation

    When Cody Rhodes left WWE, he started a chain reaction that ultimately led to the creation of All Elite Wrestling. The former AEW star believes that the company wouldn’t exist without him.

    The former IC Champion started his wrestling career in WWE in 2006. He had a decade-long run with the promotion, where he went through various phases.

    However, after being repackaged as Stardust, Rhodes became increasingly frustrated with his creative direction and he finally left WWE in 2016.

    He went on to make a name for himself in the independent circuit. Cody joined The Bullet Club and made friends with the Elite and the rest is history.

    Cody Rhodes and AEW

    A fan recently tweeted how people seem to underestimate Cody Rhodes’ importance in the creation of AEW. Replying to it, the former TNT champion said that the facts are there for everyone to see:

    “Facts are all out there to see…without Brandi or I it wouldn’t exist. Look no further than some of the infrastructure in place or even half the names of the events. Tony, Bucks, Kenny, Jericho, Dana, Hang…pioneers. I’ve moved on to the next stage for me, but beautiful memories.”

    What do you think about Cody Rhodes’ role in the inception of AEW? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

  • Update on Plans for Cody Rhodes When He Returns from Injury

    Update on Plans for Cody Rhodes When He Returns from Injury

    WWE fans are still reeling from Cody Rhodes’ epic return at WrestleMania 38, and the incredible winning streak he has been on that have set him as one of the top stars in the company.

    The American Nightmare unfortunately hit a setback in his quest for a WWE world title when he tore his pectoral muscle, and is expected to be out of action until next year.

    Rhodes last wrestled against Seth Rollins in the main event of the Hell in a Cell premium live event, where he picked up a huge victory.

    When Will Cody Rhodes Return?

    Cody Rhodes

    Rhodes is (unsurprisingly) set for a big push whenever her returns, according to Andrew Zarian from the Mat Men Pro Wrestling podcast. Despite the big shakeup with WWE management, Rhodes is still slated to be a centerpiece act in the lead-up to WrestleMania 39.

    Although we do not yet have a solid timeline for Rhodes’ recovery, the company is working under the assumption that he’ll be back in time for the 2023 Royal Rumble.

    Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has made his intentions clear. He hopes to accomplish what his father Dusty never did: win the “big one” in WWE.

    Despite being an AEW original, Rhodes never reached the top of the mounting there either. He did challenge for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2019, but lost to Chris Jericho. Per the stipulation of that match, he would never challenge for the AEW World title again.

  • Cody Rhodes Advertised for Upcoming Edition of WWE RAW

    Cody Rhodes Advertised for Upcoming Edition of WWE RAW

    Injured WWE star Cody Rhodes is being advertised for an upcoming episode of Monday Night RAW.

    Rhodes injured his pectoral muscle back in June, which sidelined him for several months after requiring surgery. Initial expectations had Rhodes out for nine months, meaning he wouldn’t be expected back until March of 2023.

    However, much speculation suggested he could be back in time for the Royal Rumble in January of 2023. With that being said, the Scotiabank Arena is promoting Cody Rhodes for an in-ring appearance on August 22.

    When will Cody Rhodes Return to WWE?

    The American Nightmare is being advertised to compete at next week’s WWE Raw from Toronto, Canada.

    It’s unknown if he’s medically cleared to compete, but the Scotiabank Arena is hyping Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins:

    Rhodes tore his pectoral muscle in the midst of his feud with Rollins on RAW. Despite having already torn his pectoral, he still competed against Rollins inside Hell In A Cell back in June, winning the match and seemingly closing the chapter on his rivalry with Rollins.

    However, the following night on Monday Night RAW, Rollins attacked Rhodes after faking a compromise, attacking Rhodes’ injured area to seemingly help write him off TV. Rhodes was being positioned as the top babyface over on Monday Night RAW.

    The timing of his injury couldn’t have been worst. However, many expect Rhodes to return at the Royal Rumble in January, potentially winning the match and going on to WrestleMania 39 to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Championship.

    With Rhodes now being advertised for a match on August 22, it certainly makes things interesting.

    We’ve reached out to Cody Rhodes for comment.

  • Anthony Ogogo Opens Up About Weigh-In Segment With Cody: “F***ing Dogsh*t”

    Anthony Ogogo Opens Up About Weigh-In Segment With Cody: “F***ing Dogsh*t”

    AEW star Anthony Ogogo recently appeared on Insight With Chris Van Vilet to discuss a number of pro-wrestling topics, which included the former Olympian’s thoughts on his feud with Cody Rhodes in 2021.

    The two were set to meet at that year’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view from Daily’s Place in Florida, AEW’s first major event with a packed house since the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020. Prior to the match the hard-hitting Brit and the American Nightmare had several segments to build their feud on Dynamite, with one being memorable for all the wrong reasons.

    Ogogo and Rhodes met for a weigh-in segment hosted by Paul Wight, but things went horrendously wrong. Wight had issues reading the scale and fireworks from a local baseball game went off that caused a great distraction. The segment seemed never ending, and since there was no physicality it left everyone with a bad taste in their mouth going into Double or Nothing.

    When talking about the weigh-in…Ogogo could not think of one nice thing to say.

    “Fucking dogshit mate, fucking dogshit!”

    He later reveals that he thought the idea was lame even before the fiascos occurred inside of the ring.

    “So Cody said to me that we were going to do a weigh-in. I’m like ‘Cool, so what’s going to happen?’ And Cody is brilliant, he is brilliant at what he does and he has got a great mind for it. [Cody] was like ‘We are going to do a weigh-in.’ I’m like ‘Cool, who is getting knocked out? What are we going to do.’ [Cody responds] ‘It’s a weigh-in, we are not going to touch.’ I’m like oh, I have watched enough wrestling to know that that’s a bit drab, a bit of shit.”

    Ogogo doesn’t just call the whole segment a disaster, but believes he was the biggest victim of its failure.

    “Mate the whole thing was disastrous, but I feel like I’m the victim. It was my first kind of entry, and I am in this really weird segment that wasn’t my idea. I would have rather knocked out Goldust, knocked out Dustin.”

    Rhodes would go on to defeat Ogogo at Double or Nothing. Ogogo has been largely absent from AEW’s main programming (Dynamite & Rampage) ever since.

    (Special thanks to Chris Van Vilet for sending over quotes)

  • Cody Rhodes Appears Via Video At Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV

    Cody Rhodes Appears Via Video At Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV

    A WWE Superstar made a video appearance during the pre-show of Ric Flair’s Last Match.

    During the pre-show of the Ric Flair’s Last Match pay-per-view, many wrestling legends sent thriller well wishes to the WWE Hall of Famer. The pre-show featured people like Trish Stratus, Sting, Jim Ross, Nick Aldis, Kurt Angle, Dixie Carter, and Cody Rhodes.

    These legends sent their support to Ric Flair who is competing in his final match during Starrcast V. 

    We have live results for the Ric Flair’s Last Match pay-per-view that you can view here.

    Current Card For Ric Flair’s Last Match

    • Impact World Championship Match: Josh Alexander (c) vs Jacob Fatu
    • Impact Knockouts World Championship Three-Way Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Rachael Ellering
    • Ren Narita vs. Yuya Uemura
    • Killer Kross (w/ Scarlett Bordeaux) vs Harry Smith
    • The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) vs Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
    • Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Kerry Morton and Ricky Morton) vs. The Four Horsemen (Brian Pillman Jr. and Brock Anderson)
    • Four-Corners Match: Alan Angels vs. Jonathan Gresham vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Nick Wayne
    • Bunkhouse Battle Royale: Adam Priest vs. Big Damo vs. Brian Myers vs. Bully Ray vs. Crimson vs. Crowbar vs. Gringo Loco vs. James Storm vs. Kal Herro vs. Komander vs. Rickey Shane Page vs. Sinn Bodhi vs. Wolfie D vs. TBA
    • Four-way Match: Rey Fenix vs Taurus vs Laredo Kid vs Bandido
    • The Von Erich (Marshall & Ross) vs The Briscoes
    • Ric Flair’s Retirement Match: Ric Flair and Andrade El Idolo vs. Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett
  • Cody Rhodes is Teasing a WWE Royal Rumble Return

    Cody Rhodes is Teasing a WWE Royal Rumble Return

    Hours before the WWE Hell in a Cell event in June, Cody Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral muscle but still competed at the event.

    Defeating Seth Rollins in the main event of Hell in a Cell, Rhodes was attacked by Rollins the next night on Raw, writing him off TV.

    “The American Nightmare” hasn’t competed since then but has been teasing a return to the ring.

    Cody’s Return?

    WWE has said that Cody Rhodes will be out until March 2023, though many expect him to be back far sooner than that.

    Some have suggested that the date WWE has given is to build up a surprisingly early return at next year’s Royal Rumble.

    Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con, Rhodes addressed rumors of a return at January’s Premium Live Event (via WrestleTalk.)

    “My Royal Rumble stats are top 10, they’re phenomenal. So if I was to come back at that event, there is a chance I could actually get up in the top five and I’m all about that …. You never know! We’ll see.”

    Rhodes currently boasts the ninth-longest cumulative time spent in Royal Rumble matches.

    Cody’s Rumble History

    Cody’s Royal Rumble stats are impressive, even though he has never won the prestigious 30-man match.

    In his first Rumble in 2008, Cody, then a World Tag Team Champion lasted over 23 minutes, the eighth longest Superstar in the match.

    A year later, Cody lasted over 37 minutes and was the second-to-last Superstar eliminated, making it to the final three.

    Rhodes’ most impressive Royal Rumble performance was in 2012 when he lasted 41:59, the second-longest in the match behind The Miz.

    He also eliminated six Superstars in that match, more than anyone else in the 2012 Rumble.

    Cody Rhodes on WWE Rule: ‘They Can Fine Me Every Time’
  • Cody Rhodes on WWE Rule: ‘They Can Fine Me Every Time’

    Cody Rhodes on WWE Rule: ‘They Can Fine Me Every Time’

    Cody Rhodes continues to recover from his pectoral injury, but the WWE star hasn’t stopped making headlines since he’s been away from the ring.

    This week, Rhodes was at San Diego Comic Con on behalf of WWE along with several others from the company. There was a humorous moment during a presentation when some new WWE Mattel figures and titles were being revealed.

    The presenter mentioned “new championships,” and Rhodes chimed in by saying “you can say belt.”

    WWE has long had a rule, reportedly due to Vince McMahon’s wishes, that championships were not referred to as “belts” on television, or really, anywhere. This has been joked about in the wrestling community ad nauseam over the years as being over the top.

    Sam Roberts was there and said that maybe Cody can say belts but others will get in trouble.

    “They can fine me $1,000 every time I say belts. I’m fine with that. If they give me a title belt, sure it’s a championship, but it also physically goes around your waist. Those are great belts,” Rhodes responded (h/t Fightful).

    Cody Rhodes With Championships Belt Plans?

    Rhodes has a history with championship belts in WWE that has satisfied longtime fans and collectors. In 2012, he brought back a modified version of the iconic Reggie Parks Intercontinental Championship from the 1980s and 1990s.

    There have been rumors that if Rhodes becomes WWE Champion in the future, he will bring back the famous “Winged Eagle” championship belt that WWE used from 1988 until 1998. To many fans, this is the greatest belt the company has ever had.

    Of course, Rhodes seemed primed for a run at the WWE’s top prize, with a potential victory in the Money In The Bank match, until his injury sank those plans. Fans are hoping to see Rhodes return in time to make headlines at WrestleMania 39 next year.

    Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. This week, we react to the news of Vince McMahon’s retirement. 

  • Cody Rhodes Was Told To Save Torn Pec Reveal For WWE Hell In A Cell

    Cody Rhodes Was Told To Save Torn Pec Reveal For WWE Hell In A Cell

    WWE’s Cody Rhodes recently revealed that he was told by WWE to save the reveal of his torn pec for the Hell In A Cell premium live event. 

    Performing Through The Injury

    At Hell in a Cell, Cody Rhodes entered the cell with a torn pectoral muscle. The injury was announced before the show, but Cody fought through and still wrestled against Seth Rollins.

    While making his entrance, Rhodes covered up the injury with his American Nightmare ring jacket. He made the big reveal when he was in the ring with Rollins. Rollins, and the crowd, were stunned when they saw the intense bruising on Cody’s chest.

    Cody Rhodes shows off more of his gnarly pec injury after match with Seth Rollins

    Cody Was Told To Save The Reveal

    When speaking to ComicBook, Cody talked about the big reveal:

    “No one saw it, other than, I think Vince (McMahon) saw it. I was going to take my robe off for cameras, and the voice of God, whoever is head of production in that moment, I remember them saying, ‘Don’t.’ Stu, the camera operator, told me we were going to save it for the show. Very few people had actually seen it and how bad it was. 

    Through the day, it was getting worse because there was so much blood, so much blood under my skin. I’m almost anemic, so if you chop me or squeeze me, you can see it instantly. Just the perfect person to have their body ripped in half for that moment.”

    Cody has undergone surgery for the injury, but WWE announced on June 10 that Cody Rhodes will be out for nine months. 

    H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

  • Cody Rhodes Explains What Changed In WWE During His Time In AEW

    Cody Rhodes Explains What Changed In WWE During His Time In AEW

    A lot of things changed in WWE when Cody Rhodes was away rebuilding himself. According to the American Nightmare, the locker room was almost unrecognizable for him when he first came back.

    The WWE star talked to James Williams on the ESPY red carpet. When asked about the changes in WWE he has noticed, Rhodes mentioned how the faces in the locker room have changed and how stars are treated differently:

    “I think it’s changed so, so much. It’s unrecognizable to me as far as the return until I see someone like a Kofi or Xavier Woods, someone that I knew really well. One of the things that it’s changed, it’s such a healthy company in terms of [caring for talents]. I am two months out of surgery here. They won’t even give me a timeline because they’re afraid I’m gonna try and overtrain. Come back too soon.

    The medical team, they’ve just been so wonderful to me. But yeah, with that change it also kind of highlights for you, you’re a grown up now. Even though I showed up at 20 years old in WWE, I’m not anymore. It’s time to be a grown up and having a daughter of my own makes it definitely is a different chapter in my career.”

    ‘I Am Always There: Cody Rhodes

    Cody Rhodes who was once a rookie in the WWE locker room, is now a seasoned veteran. During the talk, he mentioned how his executive role in AEW didn’t suit him. However, now that people like The Undertaker and John Cena aren’t in the locker room anymore, Cody claimed that he is always there for anyone who needs his help:

    “I’m always there for somebody, whether he ever asked me to or not. The first day I was there. I wanted to make sure Dominic Mysterio had my number. I’ve been there. It’s a hard, hard, hard walk ahead of you but [I’m] hoping he can absolutely make the best of it. So there are those young folks who didn’t get to wrestle Undertaker [and] John Cena, people like that. I was able to be in the ring with them. So all I can do is pass on what they knew and I can only do that when asked.”

    You can check out Cody Rhodes’ interview below:

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  • Cody Rhodes Reveals Best Part Of His ESPY Win

    Cody Rhodes Reveals Best Part Of His ESPY Win

    Cody Rhodes won big at the ESPY Awards, bagging the trophy for the WWE Moment of the Year for his WrestleMania return. For the former AEW star, the best thing about his win was being nominated alongside people such as Stone Cold Steve Austin for his WrestleMania match and The Undertaker for his Hall of Fame speech among others.

    The former TNT champion spoke to ComicBook.com at the San Diego Comic-Con. Speaking about his ESPY win, Cody explained why it means so much to him via a story. He recalled seeing posters of The Rock vs John Cena match, 2 years after it happened:

    “It’s the best part of the ESPY. The best part of the ESPY was the fact that Steve was nominated, Undertaker was nominated and Cena was nominated and then I was nominated. That is by far the best part of the ESPY. Because in 2015, when I left in 2015.” recalled Cody Rhodes, “I remember even talking with WWE management about this. One of the crazy moments for me.

    I was sitting outside the Scranton Wilkes-Barre hotel and the giant Mania bus that still was papered with Rock versus Cena. I remember just staring at it and wondering like how over are these guys and how long does this go. How do you get this? I remember just this defining [moment] ‘I don’t want to make excuses’ So last night to be in the same category with John and to be able to [get] that landslide win was pretty exciting.”

    You can check out Cody Rhodes’ interview below:

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  • WWE’s Cody Rhodes Wins Big at ESPY Awards

    WWE’s Cody Rhodes Wins Big at ESPY Awards

    At WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE after a six-year absence, defeating Seth Rollins on the show.

    In his time away, Rhodes had established himself as a top-tier star across the world and co-founded AEW in 2019.

    Fans had assumed that Rhodes would remain with AEW for the rest of his career, making his return to WWE all the more shocking.

    Cody’s Big Win

    Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE at WrestleMania 38: Night One was certainly a huge moment for both him and the company, and has now been celebrated at the ESPY Awards.

    At this week’s ceremony, Rhodes took home the award for WWE Moment of the Year, beating 15 other nominees in a fan-voted poll.

    The three other finalists included ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin having his first match in 19 years, defeating Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38: Night One.

    The Undertaker’s Hall of Fame speech in April 2022 was also a finalist, as was Big E’s Money in the Bank cash-in and WWE Championship win during the September 13, 2021, edition of Monday Night Raw.

    In a red-carpet interview, Cody, who attended the event with his wife Brandi, said it was an honor to be nominated and extra special to win.

    Previous Winners

    Cody is just the latest Superstar to win the ESPY Award for WWE Moment of the Year.

    Last year, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair won the award for their WrestleMania 37: Night One main event which saw Belair win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

    In July 2019, Roman Reigns won the inaugural award for his return to WWE earlier that year, following his battle with Leukemia.

    Cody Rhodes Reveals Timeframe For His Return
  • Cody Rhodes Confirms WWE Project in the Works

    Cody Rhodes Confirms WWE Project in the Works

    At WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE following a six-year hiatus from the company. 

    During his time away from WWE, Rhodes became a major star outside the promotion and co-founded AEW in 2019.

    Rhodes returned to WWE by defeating Seth Rollins and would go on to defeat the former Universal Champion at the following two Premium Live Events. 

    Given his time away and association with AEW, Rhodes’ return has been one of the biggest WWE comebacks in years. 

    The Big Project

    Rhodes had previously said in interviews that he would stay with AEW forever, and fans will soon learn more about his shocking return to the McMahon-led company. 

    In a surprise appearance on Busted Open Radio, Cody rung in and revealed that WWE is working on a documentary covering his return (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “Little spoiler. For the past year, I don’t know if it was a year, but since WrestleMania, WWE has been doing a documentary on me potentially for Peacock. They’ve been filming this documentary, and then my titty explodes and the documentary changed greatly.”

    Rhodes added that he has made a list of essential people in his life which he hopes are included on the documentary.

    Cody did not reveal any names who are on the list he has given to WWE.

    It is unclear if any names from AEW are on that list, or if WWE will reach out to them if they are.

    WWE has allowed AEW talent on their shows in the past, with several AEW stars appearing via videos on the June 27, 2022 Raw, to praise John Cena.

    Cody Rhodes On If Other Plans Were Considered For His Return Besides WrestleMania
  • Seth Rollins on Cody Rhodes Wrestling With Torn Pec: “I Didn’t Expect it to Look Like That”

    Seth Rollins on Cody Rhodes Wrestling With Torn Pec: “I Didn’t Expect it to Look Like That”

    Seth Rollins headlined the WWE Hell in a Cell event in June with Cody Rhodes, who had a torn pectoral muscle. 

    The pectoral muscle was completely off the bone ahead of the match, and Rhodes, who defeated Rollins inside the Hell in a Cell structure, had a huge bruise covering his upper body.

    While speaking with Stephanie Chase for Digital Spy, Rollins noted that he didn’t expect Rhodes to look how he did and felt the same as everyone else in attendance.

    “It was pretty gnarly. I don’t think I expected it to look like that. I’ve had some torn muscles in my day, and I know that the blood seeps down, gravity just takes over, but I had never seen anything like that. I remember Triple H had torn his pec some time ago at an event and shared a picture of it, and it was pretty brutal but nothing like what we saw from Cody at Hell in a Cell.

    “His bicep, tricep, shoulder, pec it was down to his belly button almost, it was pretty gnarly. It was definitely shocking and I think the way I felt about it was how the audience in Chicago felt. They were just very uncomfortable for the first little bit. I think people were even wary just to cheer for him because it was so wild.”

    Rollins stated it’s one of those things that he has never encountered before and was completely new to him to prepare for. 

    “It was a full hurdle thrown my way that I’d never seen before and so trying to wrap ourselves around it was an interesting process. I think what we got out of it was magic, how we got there wasn’t ideal but that’s life, you gotta roll with the punches sometimes.”

    Rollins will face Riddle in a singles match at SummerSlam on July 30 in Nashville. 

    Transcription via Fightful. 

  • Adorable Young WWE Fan Sends Heartwarming Message to Cody Rhodes

    Adorable Young WWE Fan Sends Heartwarming Message to Cody Rhodes

    Being a performer in the wrestling industry is far from easy but the rewards can be quite special.

    Cody Rhodes has been out of action after suffering a torn right pectoral muscle. Despite the injury, he turned in a gutsy performance against Seth Rollins in the main event of Hell in a Cell.

    With nearly his entire arm being bruised, Rhodes delivered a classic against Rollins and scored the pinfall.

    Unfortunately, Rhodes has been forced on the shelf for a while after undergoing surgery. In the midst of “hard times” is a message that makes the “American Dream” worth it.

    Young Fan Wishes Cody Rhodes Well

    A young fan attending an episode of Monday Night Raw sent a very special video message to Cody Rhodes.

    Rhodes caught wind of the heartwarming message and he has responded.

    Rhodes recently appeared on Busted Open Radio and revealed he nearly hemorrhaged during surgery for his torn pec. He admitted that doctors have remained coy on his recovery time as there appears to be a fear that he’ll try to push himself to return sooner than expected.

    In a perfect world, Cody Rhodes will be ready for the Royal Rumble as a surprise entrant in early 2023.

    Many feel if he can return on time, then Cody could be primed for a world championship match at WrestleMania.

    Time will tell if things ultimately pan out that way.

    Cody Rhodes to be Treated like WWE Hall of Famer Upon Return
  • Cody Rhodes Remains in AEW Video Game

    Cody Rhodes Remains in AEW Video Game

    Cody Rhodes has not been removed from the upcoming AEW video game.

    Rhodes sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling industry when he made his return to WWE earlier this year. He appeared at WrestleMania 38 to serve as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent.

    Cody ended up winning the match, making his promotional return a triumphant one.

    At the time, many were surprised that Cody, the man who helped build AEW, felt it was time to come back to WWE. While he’s no longer with AEW, there is no bad blood and that is quite evident with this latest bit of news.

    Cody Rhodes Staying in AEW Video Game

    AEW EVPs
    (via Ricky Havlik /AEW)

    Kenny Omega has had a big hand in helping with the upcoming AEW video game. During an interview with Sports Illustrated, he revealed that despite leaving the company, Cody Rhodes will still be in the game.

    “This may come as a surprise to people, but Cody is still in the game. I was very passionate about making sure his legacy and position within the company were preserved.”

    – Kenny Omega

    Omega continued, “We’ve built this game from the ground up, starting everything from scratch. That’s why I thought this game could coincide with the birth of this company. You get to experience AEW from the beginning, from day one. The game is going to reflect a lot of that, even though our locker room is ever-changing.”

    The AEW video game doesn’t have a solid release date. It was reported that the company was shooting for a September release but many agree that is a big ask.

    Kenny told SI that he’s trying his best to get the game out before the end of 2022.

  • Cody Rhodes Reveals Timeframe For His Return

    Cody Rhodes Reveals Timeframe For His Return

    Cody Rhodes isn’t exactly planning to wait nine months to get back inside the ring.

    Cody is out of action at the moment due to a completely torn pectoral muscle. Despite the injury, Rhodes toughed it out and took on Seth Rollins in the main event of Hell in a Cell. Rhodes ended up undergoing successful surgery.

    WWE later announced that Cody would be missing action for nine months. It’s a timeframe that Rhodes doesn’t plan on following, however.

    Cody Rhodes Not Interested In 9-Month Wait

    Cody Rhodes
    (via WWE)

    Cody Rhodes took to his Instagram Stories to reveal that he plans on making the timeframe for his return shorter than what WWE has announced.

    “I’ve heard 9 months, that’s their plan… I’ve never concerned myself with other people’s projections – I’ve got a plan of my own – let’s finish, all of us.”

    WWE ran an angle during the post-Hell in a Cell episode of Raw. Seth Rollins attacked Cody from behind with a sledgehammer. WWE used this as a way of explaining the nine-month timeframe.

    Many expect Cody to be back in time for the Royal Rumble as a surprise entrant. Time will tell if that is going to come to fruition.

    It’s been reported that WWE will be giving Cody a hero’s welcome once he’s fully healed and ready to return to action.

  • Cody Rhodes to be Treated like WWE Hall of Famer Upon Return

    Cody Rhodes to be Treated like WWE Hall of Famer Upon Return

    Cody Rhodes isn’t expected back on WWE TV for months following his torn pectoral muscle suffered while training.

    Despite the injury, Rhodes muscled through to defeat Seth Rollins at WWE Hell in a Cell 2022 in one of the gutsiest performances of his career.

    On the Raw after Hell in a Cell, Rhodes was written off TV by a sledgehammer attack by Rollins.

    Losing Rhodes is a huge blow to WWE who have made him the de facto face of the company since returning at WrestleMania 38, but the “American Nightmare” can expect a huge push upon his return.

    Cody Rhodes – The New Triple H

    A new report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that there’s been talk about giving Cody a huge return, akin to Triple H in early 2002.

    After “The Game” tore his quadriceps in mid-2001, he was out for months and had a lot of build to his January 2002 return.

    WWE’s production team filmed Triple H’s surgery and recovery, with weeks of promotional videos hyping his return.

    Triple H eventually returned to a thunderous response inside Madison Square Garden and captured the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 18.

    Similarly, WWE reportedly recorded the entirety of Cody’s surgery and plans on using the footage in promotional packages.

    Despite WWE reporting that he will be out for nine months, Cody is expected to return much sooner, and could be a selling point for the 2023 Royal Rumble.

    The 2002 Rumble match marked Triple H’s first televised match back from his injury and he would win the 30-man bout.