WWE is considering various ideas for the WrestleMania 39 card as the company is just a few months away from the event and needs to lock in its main event plans by mid-January.
It was reported last week that WWE planned to do John Cena vs. Logan Paul at this event. This is after a report suggested Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre have been discussed as possible competitors in a singles match for the WWE Title.
If WWE went forward with that idea, then Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns would need to drop the WWE Title.
Fightful Select reports that before Vince McMahon retired this past summer, it was presumed that Rhodes would end up competing for the WWE Title at WrestleMania. Creative sources told the media outlet that this hadn’t been told outright, but simply assumed. It was noted that Mania plans that Vince came up with were scrapped.
Original Idea
Regarding Cena vs. Paul, this report stated that WWE wants to have Paul and The Rock work WrestleMania with the hope of The Rock wrestling Reigns. Fightful noted that it’s still unclear whether they will work the show.
While internal talk has had Cena vs. Paul or Cena vs. current WWE United States Champion Austin Theory at WrestleMania, other top stars have been pushing to face Cena from as far back as July.
“There were pitches within WWE to do Cena vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania, but there’s no word yet on if this is still being discussed under the new regime led by WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H.”
Before Ronda Rousey dropped the SmackDown Women’s Title to Charlotte Flair on SmackDown last week, it was reported that Rousey vs. Rhea Ripley was planned for WrestleMania 39.
Fightful notes that although additional sources have not confirmed Rousey vs. Ripley, they can confirm that Rousey vs. Becky Lynch is not the plan for WrestleMania 39.
The final WWE Raw of 2022 was dedicated to looking back at some of the show’s biggest happenings over the past 12 months. One of the biggest moments of the year was Cody Rhodes jumping ship from the company he helped create to the company that didn’t see him as a star.
Appearing on RAW in a pre-taped segment, Rhodes said he wants to “pick up right where I left off.”
“I am being incredibly vague here and I get it. Anyone who is a fan of what we do can read between the lines. There is one thing that I came back for specifically. One thing. And again, a torn pec couldn’t stop me. I couldn’t name anything that can stop me. It has to be done. It needs to be done. And I want to get it done.”
Rhodes is of course talking about winning the WWE Championship. When he returned to the company, he made it clear that he wanted to win the championship that his father, Dusty, could never win.
Earlier on Monday, Wrestling News Co. said that the current plan for WrestleMania 39 main event is for Seth Rollins to face either Rhodes or Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Night Two would be Roman Reigns versus an undetermined opponent for the Universal Championship. If The Rock cannot wrestle at WrestleMania, then Rhodes would face Reigns.
It seems like Rhodes will get a title shot at WrestleMania one way or another. It’s unclear which night and which title. It’s possible that Rhodes will have to wait a while longer to become WWE Champion, but could become the Universal champion in the meantime. Assuming he returns during the Royal Rumble and wins, he can “choose” which title he wants to compete for at “The Show of Shows”.
The WWE Universe popped when Cody Rhodes made his grand return to the company at WrestleMania 38, defeating Seth “Freakin” Rollins in the process.
Months before, Rhodes’ contract expired with All Elite Wrestling. He continued to work backstage and on-screen for a period of time afterwards as the two sides tried to negotiate a new deal. In February though, news broke that Rhodes, and his wife Brandi, were officially leaving the company after failing to lock in a new agreement. This move left a major void in AEW, as Rhodes emerged as a prominent figure in the company, both in the ring and behind-the-scenes as an Executive Vice President.
AEW President Tony Khan recently addressed Rhodes’ departure, and the challenge it presented at the time. “Whenever you lose a star the caliber of Cody Rhodes, it’s going to have a major, major impact on your company,” he told Fightful’s Grapsody podcast. “It’s gonna affect a number of different departments and number of different things in terms of the presentation and the backstage. Personally, I really like Cody and I know Cody really well and during his time here, he was so involved in so many different facets of the start of AEW and what we were. When he left, that was a major challenge.”
Putting The Pieces Back Together
(Tony Khan via AEW)
Despite the setback, Tony Khan managed to pull together “so many great stories” ahead of the company’s Revolution pay-per-view in March that “helped keep us strong” and the fans invested in the product. At the same time though, Kenny Omega, another major star, remained absent from programming due to several injuries.
With the absence of two of the company’s biggest stars, Khan noticeably leaned on Jon Moxley as one of the focal points for AEW. Moxley himself went on a hiatus from the company to enter a rehabilitation program for alcohol addiction late last year. The former AEW World Champion later returned in January 2022.
Tony Khan said Moxley’s leave of absence to get help “was the best thing that could have happened to him.” In addition, Khan believes it was a benefit for the company as well. “It was the best thing that could happen to us to have a healthy Jon Moxley there for the entirety of this year, 2022, to keep the company strong.”
It’s safe to say that 2022 has been one of the wildest years in the history of WWE.
From mass releases to the shock retirement of Vince McMahon, this is a year that none of us will ever, ever forget.
But with 2022 drawing to a close, attention turns to 2023, and a whole new year of matches to look forward to.
Here are five of the most anticipated matches of WWE in the new year.
5: Brock Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER
It has been reported that GUNTHER Vs. Brock Lesnar is in the works for WrestleMania 39.
Can you say PHYSICAL?!
In 2022, there are few names in WWE who have made an impact quite like our reigning Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.
Debuting on the main roster earlier this year, the Austrian powerhouse wasted no time in winning his title from Ricochet, a title he has held for over 200 days.
It was reported recently that right now, WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for GUNTHER to face Brock Lesnar, in what could be the most hard hitting match we’ve seen in decades.
GUNTHER’s in-ring strength has never been in doubt, while Lesnar is a once in a lifetime athlete who’s 2022 has shown he still has a love for wrestling.
Whether the title is on the line or not, GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar has all the markings of an instant classic, and a match fans are eager to see.
4: Bray Wyatt’s First Match Back
Bray Wyatt returned with a ton of buzz, but WWE needs to pull the trigger with a match soon.
At Extreme Rules, WWE’s excellent White Rabbit build paid off with the return of Bray Wyatt, fifteen months after his controversial release from the company.
Since then, Wyatt has feuded with LA Knight, though his attentions seem to be more focused on the presence of the mysterious Uncle Howdy.
For all of Wyatt’s talk and promos though, Bray is yet to wrestle, something that has not gone unnoticed by fans.
It has been rumored that Wyatt will face Knight in a ‘Pitch Black’ match at the Royal Rumble, though whatever the rules are for said match is unclear.
I guess you could say that with the Pitch Black match, we’re ‘in the dark!’ (I crack myself up.)
While Bray returned with all the momentum in the world, it does feel like some of the shine has come off, and WWE needs to pull the trigger on a match for him soon.
Wyatt’s first match back is hotly anticipated, if nothing else than fans want to see what he can do in the ring as this new character, and we can only imagine his match will come in 2023.
3: Edge’s Final Match
Edge will have the chance to end his career on his own terms next year.
It’s hard to believe that next month will be the third anniversary of Edge’s startling return to wrestling.
In April 2011, fans (and Edge himself) had resigned themselves to the fact that his career was over, tragically cut short by neck issues.
This year has seen Edge compete six times, a slight dip from the ten matches in 2021, but next year may see his final match.
After competing in his native Toronto earlier this year, Edge strongly implied that he will be retiring the next time WWE comes to Canada, which is expected for mid-2023.
If so, then we are not long away from Edge’s final match, and hopefully WWE will give it the build and gravitas it deserves.
Edge’s return to wrestling has been nothing short of miraculous, but the Rated-R Superstar now has the chance to end his in-ring career again, this time on his own terms.
2: Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes
From the moment Cody Rhodes returned, there has been speculation on a match with Roman Reigns. (via WWE)
From the moment Cody Rhodes’ platform was raised at WrestleMania 38, this was a match fans anticipated.
The idea of Rhodes Vs. Reigns was cemented the following night when the American Nightmare spoke about his WWE return, and his desire to become World Champion.
Sure, Rhodes’ injury may have delayed those plans, but it is clear that Cody is destined to hold gold soon.
With rumors of Rhodes returning as part of the Men’s Rumble match, a match he is a favorite among many to win, a match with Reigns seems a matter of when, not if.
But this match will resonate for another reason. It will be WWE’s top star against someone for years considered the face of AEW.
The fact that Cody is in WWE now at all remains mind-blowing, and him facing Reigns has the substance to be an all-time great story, even if there’s one more for the Tribal Chief that fans are anticipating even more…
1: The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns
The Rock & Roman Reigns could be the biggest match WWE has held in a decade.
The People’s Champion Vs. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Brahma Bull Vs. The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns.
Not since The Rock Vs. John Cena in 2012 has there been this level of excitement for a match, one that WWE has yet to confirm.
Both Reigns and Rock have teased for years that a match between them could happen, but never has it seemed more likely.
From Reigns being at his very best, to Rock’s movie filming schedule being suspiciously free for the first quarter of the year, all the signs are pointing to this match finally happening.
The Rock, now 50 years old, is not the spring chicken he once was, and if not next year, than this match, nor any other match with him, may never happen.
If WWE wants The Rock Vs. Reigns, then 2023 is the time, in what would be the biggest fight we’ve seen in years.
Cody Rhodes is expected to lock up with an old nemesis once he’s back from his injury.
Rhodes returned to WWE in April of this year at WrestleMania 38, mere weeks after announcing his departure from AEW in February.
The former three-time AEW TNT Champion has been out of action since June after suffering a torn pectoral hours before the WWE Hell in a Cell event.
Rhodes Plans
Despite his torn pectoral, Rhodes fought through the pain to defeat Seth Rollins inside the barbaric Hell in a Cell structure.
This win marked Rhodes’ third Premium Live Event victory over Rollins, after defeating the Architect at WrestleMania and WrestleMania Backlash.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that there are plans for Rollins and Rhodes to continue their feud and that there will be “more talk” about the two soon.
It is unclear how this will affect Rollins’ current feud with United States Champion Austin Theory, or if this will result in him turning heel again.
When his injured happened, WWE announced that Rhodes would miss nine months, which would put his return in March of next year.
WrestleMania 39
WWE may want fans to believe Rhodes won’t be back until March, but nobody is buying this claim.
Instead, Rhodes is expected to return next month at the Royal Rumble, and is a favorite to win the Men’s Rumble match.
Upon his return to WWE, Rhodes told fans on the post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night Raw that he returned to become WWE Champion.
WWE has given its biggest tease yet that Cody Rhodes will be back in time for WrestleMania 39, incorporating the American Nightmare in a commercial shoot for the event.
Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April of this year, 46 days after announcing his departure from All Elite Wrestling.
The American Nightmare would defeat Seth Rollins at the show of shows and would pick up wins over the Architect at WrestleMania Backlash and WWE Hell in a Cell.
The Commercial
Hours prior to Hell in a Cell, Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral muscle which has kept the former AEW TNT Champion on the shelf ever since.
On Thursday of this week, WWE filmed a commercial for WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, which featured The Miz wrestling Rhodes, Fightful Select reports.
They add that while this may not have been Cody himself, it was “at least someone dressed up exactly like him.”
WWE fully expects to have Cody Rhodes back in time for WrestleMania, which a source who spoke to Fightful said was never really in doubt.
Fightful was told that Maryse was supposed to be in attendance as well, though they aren’t sure if it was for a specific commercial spot or just to be there with her husband.
The Royal Rumble
When Cody went down with his injury, WWE reported that he would be out for nine months, giving him a March 2023 return date.
Immediately, fans were suspicious, and many believe that Rhodes will return as part of the Men’s Royal Rumble match, and is a favorite to win.
It was reported this week that WWE is considering having Roman Reigns defend the WWE and Universal Championships separately at WrestleMania 39, with Rhodes being one of his opponents.
In his emotional promo on the post-WrestleMania 38 Raw, Rhodes vowed to become WWE Champion to fulfill a promise to his late father.
Cody Rhodes is gearing up for (another) triumphant return to WWE. Nearly six months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, the American Nightmare is healthy, back in the gym and patiently waiting for the right moment to strike.
As the year comes to a close and the focus shifts to the Royal Rumble and the Road to WrestleMania, we have an encouraging update regarding the man who may be destined for a career-defining moment in just a few months time.
According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Rhodes is “back to normal when it comes to his ability to train.”
Rhodes’ WWE return is a huge deal and it’s likely they’ll incorporate the element of surprise to maximize the impact of the moment.
Cody Rhodes Bulking Up
Now that his injury is healed, Rhodes has been lifting heavy weights and bulking up. The Observer notes that he’s been working with top level trainers to put on size and strength.
His goal is to be 240 pounds when he returns, “which may be the thickest he’s been in his life.” Based on this report, we won’t have to wait long to meet the new and improved Cody Rhodes.
WrestleMania Plans
Rhodes is expected to be a featured in a top program headed into WrestleMania 39. Prior to his injury, WWE was planning for an eventual showdown between Rhodes and Roman Reigns, the company’s Undisputed Universal Champion.
There’s still hope within WWE that The Rock will work WrestleMania. Plans for the WrestleMania main event are typically locked in by mid-January, ahead of the Rumble.
This past weekend, WWE hosted their 36th annual Survivor Series pay-per-view, with a special surprise. For the first time ever, the company premiered WarGames on their main roster. Though a popular attraction on the NXT brand in previous years, the dual-cage structure officially lent itself to the WWE Superstars of Raw and SmackDown on Saturday night. One of those superstars included former Universal Champion Kevin Owens, who paid a special homage to the original inventor of the WarGames concept.
Owens isn’t the only one pay homage to Dusty though. WWE instilled the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic on their NXT brand — which first debuted in 2015. The following year, the company debuted a bronze statue of the icon at their respective WrestleMania 32 AXXESS. In 2019, All Elite Wrestling re-named their “go position” backstage in remembrance of Rhodes, deeming it “The Dusty Position,” with the legend’s signature cowbell attached to it.
Cody Rhodes Responds
Cody Rhodes
Though Kevin Owens fell short in his efforts for his team at Survivor Series: WarGames, the tribute caught the eye of Dusty’s real life son, Cody Rhodes. “The American Nightmare” seemingly responded to Owen’s kind act, recognizing his late father’s lasting effect on the professional wrestling landscape.
“Ha at home, he was all ours. But in the sport, he’s got a lot more kids,” Rhodes wrote via Twitter. “So many folks he started/mentored & all the concepts he created still being used fought through a decade of bad press from some rags, but seeing his fingerprints and genius shine from the grave is special.”
Rhodes has remained off WWE programming following his in-ring bout against Seth Rollins at Hell In A Cell, where he sported a wild pectoral injury.
United States Champion Seth Rollins was interviewed tonight during WWE RAW ahead of his title match this Saturday at Survivor Series WarGames.
WWE Survivor Series 2022 Preview
The Visionary will be putting the title on the line against Austin Theory and Bobby Lashley in a Triple Threat match at the premium live event. Last week on Raw, Austin Theory attacked Seth Rollins after his successful title defense over Finn Balor in the main event.
On this week’s edition of RAW, Seth claimed that Austin Theory made a massive mistake by attacking him. He noted that Theory didn’t make a mistake by attempting the cash-in, but crossed the line last week. Seth reminded everyone that he was the superstar that put Cody Rhodes on the shelf and said he will do the same to Austin Theory.
Cody returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 as former CEO Vince McMahon’s handpicked opponent for Rollins. The American Nightmare defeated Seth three times in a row before tearing his pectoral muscle while training for WWE Hell in a Cell 2022.
Bobby Lashley and Austin Theory then brawled in the ring and the All Mighty dominated. Theory hit Bobby with a chair but Lashley no sold it. He chased Austin backstage and Theory threw Mustafa Ali in the way. Theory had just beaten Ali in a singles match and Bobby inflicted more punishment on Mustafa with the Hurt Lock as Austin escaped.
During Seth’s promo on Raw, Cody Rhodes’ brother and All Elite Wrestling star Dustin Rhodes took to Twitter to respond to Rollins’ shot at the American Nightmare. Dustin tagged Seth and hit him with the middle finger emoji in response to the promo.
Cody Rhodes recently responded to a tweet from a fan about Cody’s reason for leaving AEW, a shocking move at the time as he was one of the key people to help launch the promotion in addition to Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks.
A story that had made the rounds over the last few months claimed that Cody had a rift with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and they are the reason why he left AEW. There was another story regarding how Rhodes had issues with CM Punk. There have also been stories about money and the way he was booked.
Cody Rhodes on his AEW Run
Rhodes took to Twitter to debunk those rumors. In a recent response, Rhodes responded to a fan who wrote, “Was the personal issue being booed? Because I still have no clue why people booed you out of nowhere.”
Rhodes dismissed and noted that he was a true heel despite being portrayed as a babyface.
Ha no – I was a heel, the fans were amazing. It ain’t ever on the fans.
After returning to WrestleMania 38 in April, Rhodes had solid matches with Seth Rollins before being sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle. His last match happened at Hell in a Cell before he underwent surgery.
Although it’s been reported that Rhodes is little ahead of schedule in healing, there is no firm date for his return.
Satin mentions that in the post-WrestleMania scrum, Rhodes told Nick Hausman that he wasn’t mature enough for an EVP role. Rhodes clarified that while he said he wasn’t mature enough, what he thinks he meant was that “in that role, I did well.”
“I was very active and I did start a department, a community department. Brandi did bring Kulture City into the wrestling and sports entertainment space. So, we were very active in terms of all the facets and assets of that gig. But, I think that job was meant for — we wanted a wrestling company brought you by wrestlers. For sure, that’s a huge part of the mission — but maybe it would’ve been better served for me at age 45 then it did at age 33 or whatever it was.”
Cody Rhodes Can’t Be A Wrestler and a Boss Simultaneously
“I am just now entering the prime of my career. So the make political decisions like boxing myself out of winning a world championship, those decisions in hindsight were not the correct decisions and what I should’ve been doing.”
Rhodes declares that he’s the best wrestler. He said it isn’t being “braggadocios” because he lives and breathes wrestling. He says he treats wrestling like “an athlete would treat an NFL game.” Rhodes said, “I needed to go and be that. And I wanted to both and that was just too difficult and that’s where I didn’t have the maturity to balance it.”
Being on the backstage side of things, he feels he can “no longer be one of the boys.” If he had been in an EVP role later in his life, Rhodes feels like it would’ve served him better. “If I can’t be the best wrestler in the world on television because I’m afraid I’m going to offend colleagues because I am also their boss, that was the situation we were in and I just played it in the middle. There was only so much of playing in the middle that I could do and now I’m not in charge of nothing other than me and being a pro wrestler.”
Rhodes is currently rehabbing a torn pectoral muscle that he suffered earlier this year.
Cody Rhodes has opened up about how his physical therapy after an injury he suffered earlier this year is going.
The top WWE star has been sidelined since this year’s Hell in a Cell premium live event, which took place on June 5 when he wrestled Seth Rollins in the main event of the show with a torn pectoral muscle. He suffered the injury while training for the match, which saw him go over in.
The following night on WWE Raw, Rhodes was written off TV the following night after he was ambushed by Rollins, who had faked showing respect to him moments earlier.
Cody Rhodes’ Recovery
In a post on Twitter, Rhodes gave some details of how his recovery from the injury is going on his Twitter account, where he said the following:
“How’s pt going?” It’s fn’ awful. Everyday we dig into the muscle, then I scream, half the time I spot a tear flowing. It’s a near impossible task getting a bodypart that had been shredded to 100%…or Hell even 90%. But on the worst of days I have the best reason to not tap out.”
He also shared pictures and a video of Rhodes’ daughter Liberty Runnels, dressed in a Halloween costume.
Earlier this year, Cody Rhodes shocked the wrestling world by leaving the company he co-founded to go back to WWE. He debuted at WrestleMania 38 in of the most anticipated moments in recent WWE history.
Unfortunately, “The American Nightmare” has been out with a torn pectoral muscle. He wrestled Seth Rollins at Hell In A Cell with the painful-looking injury. His return is believed be around Royal Rumble in January.
Rhodes Clarifies Why He Left AEW
(via WWE)
A Twitter account posted a picture of The Elite and Rhodes with the caption, “They changed the world”. Someone replied to the tweet and asked “then why did Cody leave?” This drew a direct reply from Rhodes.
In his response, Rhodes clarified that he didn’t leave AEW because of The Elite or CM Punk. In fact, he said that he didn’t “have issues with Punk. We got along.” He also stated that he is “forever bonded” with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.
Rhodes said he left due to a “personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.”
I didn’t leave because of the Bucks/Kenny. I’m forever bonded to those men over what we created and I remain very proud of it, and I didn’t leave because of/or have issues with Punk. We got along. Not money, not booking, just a personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.
Since his return to WWE, Rhodes has stated his desire to be WWE Champion. According to reports in recent months, there were no plans to make him champion prior to his injury.
Cody Rhodes’ agent has been fired from his role with Hyperion Talent Agency after allegations of misconduct.
Deadline reports that Brian Wittenstein, who represents both Cody and Brandi Rhodes, has left the agency after a client made a complaint about inappropriate behavior.
When the agency looked into the matter, they found more instances of unprofessional conduct, leading to his dismissal.
In a statement, the agency told Deadline “Brian Wittenstein is no longer an employee of Hyperion Talent Agency. We have no further comment at this time.”
In addition to the Rhodes family, Wittenstein is said to have represented several other wrestlers though it is not public knowledge who they are.
Wittenstein has said that he and Hyperion parted ways amicably.
Wittenstein in Wrestling
Wittenstein has been involved in the world of professional wrestling, as he worked for Impact, then TNA, until 2011.
After his departure from TNA Wrestling, Wittenstein joined WWE, resulting in a lawsuit filed by TNA against him and WWE.
The lawsuit alleged that Wittenstein had violated a Non-Disclosure Agreement by sharing confidential information with WWE.
TNA alleged that this information allowed WWE to gain an advantage in contract negotiations but withdrew the suit in 2013.
Cody Rhodes Out of the Ring
Cody Rhodes is best known for his time with WWE and AEW, but he has also taken on TV roles outside of wrestling.
Rhodes made his non-WWE debut in a 2010 episode of ‘Warehouse 13,’ and had seven appearances in CW hit series ‘Arrow.’
Rhodes was the feature of AEW series ‘Rhodes to the Top’ before his departure and is a judge on the Go-Big Show.
Cody Rhodes was an EVP of All Elite Wrestling before exiting the promotion earlier this year. He spent nine years with WWE before being released from the company in 2016.
The former TNT Champion returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38. He was former WWE CEO Vince McMahon’s handpicked opponent for Seth “Freakin” Rollins.
The American Nightmare went on to defeat The Visionary three times in a row but was injured ahead of their match at Hell in a Cell. Cody entered the steel structure with a torn pectoral muscle and left a legend amongst WWE fans.
WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview
There were 200,000 Google searches for Cody Rhodes on the day of the WWE Hell In A Cell PPV,
The most of any individual wrestler on a pro wrestling PPV show in years.
Rene Dupree recently discussed Cody Rhodes on his Cafe de Rene podcast. The former WWE Superstar claimed that The American Nightmare was entitled early in his career. Rene recalled Cody getting hired by the company despite having little experience and trying to be an actor at the time.
I remember Cody Rhodes one time spotted off like yeah second generation guys don’t get along and I’m thinking what the f**k do you know about that. My days with Cody were different with other people because when I first met him like, entitled? like a hundred and f**king percent right… He got hired, no experience, no nothing, he was 21, he was trying to be an actor in Hollywood.
5 Reasons MJF Should Win the AEW World Championship
Cody Rhodes isn’t expected to return to action this year. Many have speculated that he will return at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event but time will tell. The American Nightmare recently spoke to TMZ Sports and said that he hopes his return is a run fans remember. Cody added that his return before injury was the best three months of his life.
Cody Rhodes triumphantly returned to WWE back at WrestleMania 38 earlier this year, where the American Nightmare was quickly featured as one of the company’s biggest stars and top babyfaces. He went on a miraculous win streak in that time, including victories over Kevin Owens and an insane trilogy with new United States champion, Seth Rollins.
Unfortunately for Rhodes he would hit a roadblock. Prior to his Hell in a Cell showdown with Rollins at the beginning of June he tore his pectoral muscle while weight training, leaving him with a bruise that the entire WWE Universe would see as he still competed at Hell in a Cell in a critically acclaimed matchup. Once the injury occurred several reports surfaced stating that he would be on the shelf anywhere from 6-8 months.
Ahead of Schedule
Rhodes is recovering from his injury well, and is even slightly ahead of schedule from his original timetable, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It is mentioned in the report that he has been working alongside WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page during this time, and has been taking it easy with upper body weights.
As for a return…the Royal Rumble is said to be “looking good,” but there is also some speculation on him returning in time for Day 1 as that event is in his childhood hometown of Atlanta. Either way WWE will be attempting to keep it a secret so there can be a surprise pop whenever it does happen.
Rhodes told the WWE Universe when he returned that his goal is to do what his father, the great Dusty Rhodes couldn’t do in WWE, which was hold a world title.
Even though he is only 26 years old, MJF is already one of the top stars of the pro wrestling world. The Salt of The Earth is one of the smartest pro wrestlers of today’s generation so he hardly ever needs to look to anyone else for advice. When he does need a second opinion on something, he turns to none other than Cody Rhodes.
When asked about his current relationship with Cody Rhodes, MJF claimed that they’re ‘best friends.’ Per the 26-year-old, he calls Rhodes every once in a while, when he needs a second opinion on something:
“I’ll still call him when I honestly need… rarely do I need advice – I mean, look at me. But I’ll call him because I respect the shit out of him. I’ll call him to get a second masterful opinion.”
– MJF
MJF and Cody Rhodes had been working together since the very beginning of AEW. The latter took the young star under his wing and they had a long partnership. This partnership ended when the Wrestling Devil caused Rhodes to lose a match against Chris Jericho at Full Gear 2019 and turned on the now WWE star afterward.
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.
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.”
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.”
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
(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 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.
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.
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.
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).”
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) pic.twitter.com/AKCHiq9yss
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.
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 https://t.co/kAbHn7ujKl
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.
