Hall of Famer Arn Anderson made his return to WWE at SummerSlam 2024 in a backstage segment alongside his friend Cody Rhodes. Ahead of Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship match with Solo Sikoa, Anderson appeared and spoke of the threat of the new Bloodline. Anderson then vowed that Rhodes would have some backup of his own and that his help in the Bloodline Rules match was on its way.

Rhodes and Anderson were allies in All Elite Wrestling during Cody’s time with the company from 2019 to 2022. In May of this year, Anderson shared that he would not be renewing his contract with the All-Elite promotion and his tenure officially ended on May 31.

WWE SummerSlam Matches

Here are all of the matches taking place at SummerSlam tonight from Cleveland, which you can watch back on demand on WWE Network and Peacock.

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest vs. Gunther
• WWE Women’s Championship Match: Bayley vs. Nia Jax
• Women’s World Championship Match: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley
• United States Championship Match: Logan Paul vs. LA Knight
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker
• Singles Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins as special guest referee
• Bloodline Rules Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa

Whether you’re at home or on the go, here’s how you can stream SummerSlam 2024 on different devices:

Streaming on Mobile Devices

• Peacock App (U.S. viewers): Available for both iOS and Android devices. Simply download the app, sign in with your subscription details, and start streaming.
• WWE Network App (International viewers): Also available for iOS and Android. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for a smooth viewing experience.

Cody Rhodes for president?

Over the years we have seen a number of successful wrestling stars taking advantage of the fame to jump into politics. People such as Jesse Ventura and Glenn ‘Kane’ Jacobs have made successful transitions while even someone like The Rock has toyed with the idea of running for office.

If The Great One does decide to enter politics, however, he might very well find a familiar face contesting against him, as Cody Rhodes has now shown interest in joining politics as well.

During a recent interview with Gabby LaSpisa, The American Nightmare was asked about the discussion about him potentially running for president one day. Replying to it, the WWE star revealed that he’s actually been approached by both the Democratic and Republican parties with offers:

“So it’s funny that it’s been kind of brought up a bunch lately, because as shocking as this might seem to people, both…we live in a society where it’s really like, you got your Democratic Party, you got your Republican Party.

So few get to fall in the moderate range anymore, even though so many of us have a moderate mindset. But I actually got approached by, I won’t say people directly, but I got approached by individuals from both parties about potentially running for an office in Georgia.”

Cody Rhodes Wants To Help People

While Cody Rhodes didn’t provide any further detail on the offer made to him, he did confirm his interest in the possibility. The Undisputed WWE Champion explained that the idea of using his fame to help people is appealing to him:

“That’s probably as far as I can say, but it’s something that was really genuinely appealing. Here’s what’s appealing to me, politics is policy. Policy is one thing to me. But the idea that you can take your sphere of influence, whatever, this modicum of fame that wrestling and sports entertainment gave me to help people. Seems like the greatest gift.

Again, I don’t know if it’s something…. depending on how long I stay in this game. I don’t want to outstay my welcome, but that’s something that’s become very appealing, especially when presented to me, the possibilities that could come.”

Cody Rhodes is set to defend his WWE title against Solo Sikoa at the SummerSlam PPV this Saturday. A big change was made to this match during the latest SmackDown. You can read more about it here.

The SummerSlam main event between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa will now be contested under Bloodline Rules.

This week’s episode of SmackDown featured the final build for this match. The two contestants came face to face in the opening segment of the show and exchanged some intense words.

When Rhodes brought up his win over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, Solo claimed that Reigns was a weak Tribal Chief and challenged the WWE Champion to a Bloodline Rules match of his own.

The American Nightmare claimed that he is not afraid of any Bloodline member and he then accepted the stipulation for their match.

Roman Reigns has long been rumored for a SummerSlam return to finally confront Sikoa. A Bloodline rules match will only make it easier for the former champion to stop his cousin from winning the World title.

WWE SummerSlam 2024 Updated Match Card

The final SummerSlam match card features a total of 7 singles matches with all but one featuring a title defence. Here is the updated card for the PLE:

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest vs. Gunther
• WWE Women’s Championship Match: Bayley vs. Nia Jax
• Women’s World Championship Match: Liv morgan vs. Rhea Ripley
• United States Championship Match: Logan Paul vs. LA Knight
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker
• Singles Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins as special guest referee
• Bloodline Rules Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa

WWE SummerSlam 2024 will be taking place from the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Clevland, Ohio on Saturday, August 3. SEScoops with have full coverage of the event.

At WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day run as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion ended, marking the finish to one of the greatest stories in modern WWE history. Not long after this monumental moment, it became apparent that Reigns would not be appearing anytime soon, leaving fans all the more eager to see him again.

Though absent from WWE programming, Reigns has not been taking things easy. The former World Champion was spotted the week after his Philadelphia defeat filming a comedy heist film with Keke Palmer. Reigns has also been training hard in the gym ahead of his inevitable return to the squared circle.

But when will this return come? Well many believe that the Tribal Chief’s comeback will be at SummerSlam this Saturday in Cleveland.

It’s worth remembering that Reigns has a history of huge moments at the Biggest Party of the Summer. It was in 2018 that Reigns ended the 504-day reign of Brock Lesnar as Universal Champion, a reign that now pails in comparison to the Head of the Table. Just two years later, Reigns would return from a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’d be just one week later that he’d capture the Universal Title.

But what would a Roman Reigns return look like at SummerSlam 2024? If he does make an appearance, it’ll almost certainly be in the Undisputed WWE title match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. In Reigns’ absence, Sikoa has laid claim to being the Tribal Chief and has made a series of remarks about Reigns himself. From claiming Roman Reigns will never return to essentially daring Reigns to show-up, stating in a promo that if Reigns has a problem with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline, he knows where to find him.

The Bloodline Civil War of the summer of 2023 proved popular with fans, and the Cleveland Browns Stadium could be the epicenter of a second conflict. With the recent arrivals of Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu, there are more family members than ever before, ensuring a much wider conflict than what fans saw last year.

Of course, the question then is who would Reigns recruit to his side, especially given his past treatment of his own kin. While Jimmy Uso (a victim of Sikoa’s Bloodline) may fall back in line with Roman, it’s hard to see Jey Uso returning to SmackDown and aligning with the brother and cousin who did him wrong. Interestingly enough, Zilla Fatu, the son of Umaga, is reportedly in Cleveland, with some speculating his debut could come with Reigns’ return.

But there’s also another option that few have considered; that Reigns isn’t returning to confront Sikoa and his allies, but to align with them. After all, Sikoa will be facing Cody Rhodes, the man who ended Reigns’ run on top, a fact that the former champion will not have forgotten.

Will Roman Reigns return at WWE SummerSlam this weekend, and if so what role will he play in the fate of the Undisputed WWE Championship?

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Tribal Chief.

During an appearance on 10 Essentials from GQ Sports to promote WWE SummerSlam, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes shared broke down his daily essentials and the things he just can’t live without.

Among his essentials were Rolex watch, his American flag hat, a special pair of cufflinks, and his prized Nintendo Switch (“I can play Donkey Kong all day long”). This led to the American Nightmare naming his picks for the Top 10 Video Games of all time. The list is strong, showcasing a range of genres and eras that highlight his diverse gaming tastes.

Cody’s Top 5 Video Games

#5 Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4, 2020)

“Ghost of Tsushima” transports players to feudal Japan in a beautifully crafted open-world action-adventure game. Its striking visuals, immersive combat, and poignant story of honor and sacrifice have earned it critical acclaim and a place among the all-time greats.

#4 Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox, 2001)

The game that put the Xbox on the map, “Halo: Combat Evolved” revolutionized first-person shooters with its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and multiplayer experience. Its impact on the gaming industry and its lasting legacy make it a standout title in Cody’s list.

#3 Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, 2018)

“Red Dead Redemption 2” is a masterful open-world game that immerses players in the life of an outlaw in the late 1800s. Praised for its stunning visuals, rich narrative, and detailed world-building, this game is considered one of the finest achievements in modern gaming.

#2 Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation, 1998)

A pioneer in the stealth game genre, “Metal Gear Solid” introduced players to the tactical espionage action of Solid Snake. With its groundbreaking storytelling, cinematic presentation, and complex gameplay mechanics, this game remains a beloved classic.

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)

No surprise here, Cody is a super-fan of the Legend of Zelda series, and “Ocarina of Time” is often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time. This classic adventure game from Nintendo set a new standard for 3D action-adventure games with its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters.

Cody Rhodes defends the WWE Undisputed Championship against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa this Saturday at WWE SummerSlam.

Bonus

Cody Rhodes and Steve Austin disagree on the best Legend of Zelda game:

Cody Rhodes and other WWE Superstars answer, “Which game was better: WCW/nWo Revenge or WWF No Mercy?”

Pharaoh the Dog, the beloved pet of Cody & Brandi Rhodes and Very Good Boy, is taking his final work road trip this weekend. The Undisputed WWE Champion shared on Instagram that the 13-year old husky is still thriving, but slowing down a bit and is content living a more domesticated life at home.

Pharaoh has appeared on both WWE and AEW programming during his time on the road. On the June 26, episode of WWE Monday Night RAW, the husky was with Cody in a backstage segment that saw Rhodes challenge Damian Priest to a match. Pharaoh’s popularity even resulted in him receiving his own plushie on WWEShop.com.

Pharaoh’s appearance in AEW was not as pleasant, as pyro during Cody’s entrance at All Out 2019 spooked the dog. Rhodes later said on an episode of WWE’s The Bump that he did not intend for pyro to be used during this particular entrance.

Like much of Cody’s family, Pharaoh would become a target of The Rock’s barbs in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. The Final Boss even went as far as to call the good boy a “s***head“, infuriating fans and dog owners alike. Cody would get his revenge in the end though as he’d win the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 40, ending Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day run with the gold.

Wrestling fans and gamers alike have gotten their latest look at the new Call of Duty season which features three of WWE’s top Superstars. This unlikely collaboration features Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, and Rey Mysterio entering the hit shooting/war game franchise.

In the newest trailer, fans can see the trio of Superstars use guns, as well as some of their signature moves. While Rhodes and Mysterio are available to purchase and play, Ripley is available as part of the Call of Duty Season 5 Battle Pass.

The game’s fifth season kicked off on July 24 with more than just new playable characters. Slam Deathmatch is a unique twist on traditional Team Deathmatch, focusing on finishing moves. While weapons can down enemies, points are only earned by executing Finishing Moves, which will be randomized WWE Finishing Moves in upcoming matches. This particular mode is exclusively during the in-game WWE SummerSlam event, that started on July 31.

Working with Call of Duty is a huge collaboration for WWE which has allowed three of its Superstars to flex their muscles outside of your standard WWE 2K video game. Even Arn Anderson has been pleased by the crossover, as the WWE Hall of Famer is pleased to see the in-game Cody taking his viral ‘pulled out the glock’ promo to heart.

Want to keep up to date with all the latest from the world of video games? Check out our Gaming channel on SE Scoops so you never miss a story!

Cody Rhodes’ impeccable style is most easily associated with his signature fancy suits, but the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion is also a dedicated sneaker-head who has no problem dropping thousands on the right pair of kicks.

Recently, Rhodes went Sneaker Shopping with Complex at Stadium Goods in Manhattan and took home quite a haul. Among his acquisitions, the most eye-catching pair was the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low, a shoe that blends luxury with streetwear.

• Cody Rhodes Has NSFW Response For Haters Intimidated By His Suit Game

Cody’s New Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Lows

Designed by the late Virgil Abloh, these sneakers represent a significant collaboration between luxury fashion and streetwear. Released on July 19, 2022, they feature premium materials and intricate detailing, showcasing a blend of Nike’s athletic heritage with Louis Vuitton’s luxury craftsmanship. The sneakers come in various colorways, including an all-white version, the White Royal, black metallic, silver and more, each incorporating Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram and Damier patterns.

Originally retailing for $2,750, these sneakers have quickly become highly-sought-after in the resale market. In New York City, where the sales tax is 8.875%, these sneakers would cost approximately $8,095.66.

Cody’s Other Sneaker Picks

In addition to the Louis Vuitton x Nike pair, Cody also picked up:

• Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Promo “Girl Dad”
• Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Canary”
• Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low TD “Canary”
• Powerpuff Girls x Nike Dunk Low TD “Buttercup”

H/T to our friends at WrestlePurists, who spotted that Rhodes wore the Kobe 4 Promo Girl Dad’s on an episode of WWE SmackDown earlier this month.

Cody Rhodes has been a fighting champion since winning the Undisputed WWE title at WrestleMania 40. He ‘does the work’ in and out of the ring. He’s earns the moniker of being this generation’s Face of WWE, and this sneaker spree is just the latest example of him dressing like a champion.

Cody Rhodes has a very strong yet unique notion about people who are intimidated by suits.

The Undisputed WWE Champion recently went sneaker shopping with Complex. In the video, he discussed topics such as the perfect shoes for a Cody cutter, which WWE superstar deserves his own sneakers, and more.

Rhodes is someone who is meticulous with every aspect of his presentation to stand out from the crowd. This includes not only his matches or promos but also the attire he wears. When he’s not in the ring doing something physical, the SmackDown star is always neatly dressed in a suit.

When asked if he’s going to continue wearing suits forever, Cody replied positively while also saying some choice words for people who feel uneasy with his preferences:

“I think I will probably be a suit guy in the industry forever and this—I don’t know if this is appropriate for this show or not—but I’ll say it. I’ve said it in interviews prior. Anyone who I’ve ever worked with in business who’s intimidated by the fact that you wear a suit, I feel like they have a little dick…”

• Cody Rhodes: Dominik Mysterio Is A Future World Champion

I Wanna Be Something: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes discussed how he is known to make very polarizing choices such as his neck tattoo. He then claimed that his aim is to do whatever it takes to be something:

“Like Clearly, I mean, I don’t know if that’s a thing we can say on the show but clearly like…come on, man—everyone does what they do. I don’t want to wear shorts with you; give me a break.

Maybe you can’t use any of that but just the energy that comes from people who are like ‘Ugh, I don’t know man, he’s in that suit. He’s trying to be something’ I am not trying to be something, I wanna be something. That’s the whole thing.”

The American Nightmare is currently scheduled to defend his championship against Solo Sikoa at the upcoming SummerSlam PPV on August 5. The event still has tickets available and you can check out details of it here.

Championship gold is in the future for Dominik Mysterio, at least according to the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. On social media, Rhodes shared a photo of himself alongside Mysterio and World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. In the caption, Rhodes made reference to himself and Priest both being world title holders and branded Dominik a future champion.

Mysterio is already a former SmackDown Tag Team Champion with his father Rey. The pair won the titles in 2021 in a historic victory that made them the first father-son duo to win tag team gold in WWE. The pair would hold the titles until July 2021 when they lost them to The Usos, kicking off the pair’s record-breaking lengthy reign with the gold.

Mysterio is also a former two-time NXT North American Champion, having won the gold in 2023. Mysterio’s first victory marked the end of Wes Lee’s record-breaking run with the gold, while his second saw him dethrone future NXT Champion Trick Williams. It was during this run that Dominik again made history by headlining RAW, SmackDown and WWE NXT in the same week.

Since arriving in WWE, Dominik has consistently proven himself as an in-ring performer and as one of the more charismatic members of the roster. Will ‘Dirty Dom’ hold title gold again, perhaps joining his ‘deadbeat dad’ as a WWE World Champion? Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on the career of Dominik Mysterio.

Cody Rhodes’ connection to his father is no secret, and the Undisputed WWE Champion was given a heartwarming gift at a recent event in Japan. On WWE’s second night of their ongoing tour, their first in Japan since 2019, Rhodes defeated AJ Styles in the show’s main event. Not only did Cody get the win, but he was gifted a robe and hat worn by his legendary father Dusty.

The robe had previously been on display at the ‘Super Inoki Exhibition‘ a public exhibition celebrating the life and career of Antonio Inoki. Dusty and Inoki met NJPW Toukon Series 1979 in a match for the NWF Heavyweight Championship that Inoki retained by disqualification.

This robe has great sentimental value to Cody, whose relationship with his father has proven to be pivotal to his WWE run. It was Cody’s desire to win a WWE World Championship (an accolade his father got close to but never achieved) that resulted in Rhodes returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38.

Cody’s ‘story’ would finish with his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. Following his victory, Rhodes received a different, but equally sentimental gift: the watch his father had sold to help pay for Rhodes to take acting lessons.

Though Cody’s story may have finished, his late father remains a driving force in his role as WWE’s leading man. Last month, Rhodes celebrated his father after an episode of SmackDown by holding the WWWF Championship in MSG, the same title that Dusty nearly won in the very same arena.

Rhodes will be part of tomorrow’s live event, also in Tokyo, where he will defend against LA Knight, AJ Styles, and Shinsuke Nakamura. With a title match set for SummerSlam against Solo Sikoa, the American Nightmare continues to keep the spirit of his father alive as WWE’s very top Superstar.

Related: More from WWE in Japan, Meiko Satomura Returns to Action

WWE’s first night of its ongoing tour of Japan saw the Superstars bring the action to Osaka, Japan. This tour marks WWE’s first tour of Japan since 2019 and will continue for two more nights in Tokyo.

Here are the results for WWE Live in Osaka, Japan:

In-Ring Segment: Osaka’s very own Asuka opened the show and welcomed the crowd to WWE live. The former WWE Women’s Champion has been out of action since May with a knee injury.

Match: WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) def. IYO SKY

This would be SKY’s first of two matches on the night and the Japanese Superstar got a big reaction in her home country. Morgan seemed very pleased for somebody whose heart was broken during this week’s WWE RAW.

Match: WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) def. Dominik Mysterio

Match: WWE World Tag Team Championship: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh def. The New Day

Match: Bayley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill & Meiko Satomura def. Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane, IYO SKY & Tiffany Stratton

Asuka made an appearance alongside her Damage CTRL allies to a huge pop from the crowd. This marked Meiko Satomura’s first match for WWE since February 2023. Tiffany Stratton had her Money in the Bank briefcase which was taped together after being destroyed by Bayley on a recent episode of SmackDown.

Match: WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) def. Jey Uso

In a rematch from WWE Backlash: France, Uso was unable to dethrone Priest. After the match ‘Main Event Jey’ bowed to the crowd in Oska in a sign of respect. Jey and Priest also share a ‘Yeet’ at the event.

Match: GUNTHER def. Rey Mysterio

Mysterio wore a Hanshin Tigers uniform, acknowledging the Nippon Professional Baseball team. GUNTHER, who got a lot of cheers, defeated the WWE Hall of Famer with a powerbomb, according to a fan on Twitter who attended the show.

Match: Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga def. LA Knight & Kevin Owens

WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) def. AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura

Cody shared his gratitude to the Osaka crowd after retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship in the show’s main event. He also invited a young Japanese fan to pose with him to end the night.

Cody Rhodes will always appreciate the WWE fans who easily could’ve rejected the former AEW EVP upon his return at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022. Despite once being a driving force behind WWE’s chief competition, Rhodes has been accepted with open arms by the WWE Universe, in stark contrast to the often-hostile reactions he received in AEW.

Speaking to ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page, Rhodes said he had “nothing but positive things” to say about the fans and that he “can’t find a negative in anything that they do.” The Undisputed WWE Champion adds that fans could have “fully rejected me” when he returned two years ago.

“Here’s this guy, he went off and started his own company, he was real bitter about how he left, midcard, jobber, all of this, they really could’ve gone a different way with it and that wasn’t the case. Somebody asked me at Mania, why do you think [they’ve stuck with you] and the only thing I could tell them was that I think it resonated with them, my story is a real story.”

Rather than being rejected, Rhodes has become one of WWE’s top stars, a consistent merchandise-selling powerhouse, and the face of the company in this ‘new era.’ In an era of wrestling where discourse is incredibly tribal, Rhodes’ accomplishments across both AEW and WWE and his story have endeared him to fans across the wrestling landscape.

The Undisputed WWE Champion will next put his title on the line at WWE SummerSlam against Solo Sikoa. The August 3, show will take place from the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

Cody Rhodes had plenty to say to the crowd at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska after this week’s double taping of SmackDown. In addition to filming this week’s show, the July 26, episode was also taped. That’s because WWE’s roster will be traveling to Japan next week for a three-day tour of Osaka and Tokyo, the first tour of its kind since 2019.

Cody Rhodes After SmackDown

On this week’s episode of SmackDown, Rhodes teamed with Kevin Owens to face A-Town Down Under. Despite getting the victory, Rhodes and Owens fell victim to another assault by The Bloodline, who took out Randy Orton on last week’s show.

After SmackDown, Rhodes delivered a superkick to the big PRIME bottle that had been at ringside and joked that he’d ruined any chance of being sponsored by Logan Paul’s energy drink. Rhodes thanked the fans in Omaha for coming out and supporting the show and that it was “exciting” to do the double taping. Cody ended the night by signing autographs and taking pictures much to the delight of the crowd.

Cody was able to have some fun after SmackDown, but things will be all business at SummerSlam 2024. Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Biggest Party of the Summer against Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline has continued to have Rhodes’ number in recent weeks. WWE SummerSlam will take place on August 3, from the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

SummerSlam Card Predictions for CM Punk, Cody Rhodes & More

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently sat down with Chris Van Vliet to discuss a wide range of topics, including life after ‘finishing his story’ at WrestleMania 40, what The Rock gave him the following night on WWE Raw, if he’s ever tempted to return to the dark side and portray a villain character, his time in AEW and more. Here are the highlights:

His Time With AEW

CVV: Through all of this over the last few years, you’ve never said anything bad about AEW and you’ve never said anything bad about your time in AEW.”

Cody: “Yeah. You want to change it? Say something bad?”

CVV: “Well, you know, why have you taken the high road?”

Cody: “Yeah, I don’t know if I consider it the high road, but maybe it is. How could I not, right?”

The American Nightmare was a driving force behind the genesis of All Elite Wrestling. His abrupt departure from AEW and WWE return have completely altered the landscape of the industry. Rhodes obviously left AEW because he felt it was no longer the right place for him and where he wanted to take his career, but you still won’t hear him taking any pot shots at his former home.

“How AEW ended was terrible, really, and people are going to write books later on, and these stories are going to get out there, and then it’s going to be a whole new ballgame. But the actual experience and everything we did, I mean..

You ever seen the end of The Dark Knight? I think that’s, again, it’s super convoluted and I’m not comparing myself to Batman, but there’s a piece of it that’s really important. To certain fans from the AEW fandom, they need the story to be, they didn’t want me, they pushed me out. They need, he was bad. “They need that story.. They need me to be the villain. I was always fine with accepting that because of the respect I have for it in the first place.”

Nothing But Love for AEW

Breakups can be extremely painful, but Rhodes has thankfully arrived at a place of acceptance and gratitude regarding his time with AEW. He was “all in” while he was there, and at this stage of his life, he can look back and say that All Elite Wrestling was a chapter in his story and he’s content with that.

“So regardless of any petty squabbles, I will always have a love for [AEW]. I got to wrestle Brodie Lee’s final match. I got to lead people, young people behind the scenes. I’ll always have a love for it. So the idea that I’m sure there’s some negative stuff, like, oh, this sucked or what, but I just don’t, I just remember it lovingly.

WWE Was The End Game

Rhodes likens his time with AEW to Hulk Hogan’s run in the AWA (1981-1983). Hulkamania was popularized in the World Wrestling Federation, but it was born in the American Wrestling Association.

“I also knew I was leaving. I knew it was a season. I knew this isn’t going to last, and there’s something greater for me out there. I know that might sound negative to people, but it’s not. I think [the Undisputed WWE Championship] is the biggest prize in the wrestling game. If you put on boots, that’s the one, and I just wanted to go get it.

“I had nothing but respect for my time there. I got to sharpen my skills. You know, like Hulkamania and the AWA, right before it came to WWE, it’s the same, like the energy was there. The renaissance was happening. It was all there and I just have love.”

The night he won the WWE Championship:

CVV: “What happened that night after you won that?”

Cody: “I didn’t sleep.”

Cody Rhodes’ emotions were understandably running high the night he fulfilled his destiny and won the WWE Championship to honor his father’s legacy. Rhodes says he laid on a bed and texted a bunch of people, including The Undertaker. As he laid there taking it all in, he couldn’t help but wonder, ‘what next?’

“I thought, I was almost worried there’d be the sense of completion, the sense of fullness. I was genuinely concerned like, well, story’s over. But as soon as it was done, it felt like, oh, like literally felt 10 feet tall, felt bulletproof, felt younger, felt faster, like just didn’t feel grizzled at all to the point where I thought, oh, this is gonna be a lot of fun, but what do we do next?”

– Cody Rhodes

Unfamiliar Territory

Cody Rhodes firmly established winning the WWE Championship as his ‘top of the mountain’ and the final chapter of his ‘story.’ However, as Triple H has said, WWE’s story never ends. Cody doesn’t get the ride off into the sunset with the title over his shoulder. The hunter has become the hunted. The brash hero is now the targeted of other challengers hoping to step over him to finish their own stories.

Rhodes has enjoyed tearing it up with the likes of AJ Styles and Logan Paul in sold-out venues across the world, but he’s still getting used to playing ‘defense.’

“Well, I mean, so I think it’s an adjustment right now for going from finishing the story to these big marquee title matches. I was particularly happy with AJ, the match with AJ in France and the match with Logan in Saudi, just because I really wanted to set a different standard for title matches, the actual matches.

But then again, there’s also Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night Raw with the stories and the fun.I was always in the thick of it. So we’re kind of adjusting to now everyone’s coming for you. You’re not chasing, you’re not cutting these passionate interviews and promos about what you want. You’re on the defensive. And that’s very new for me.”

Cody Rhodes made sure to thank The Undertaker after his victory at WrestleMania 40, but had some liquid courage in his belly before reaching out to the Phenom.

At WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Rhodes’ story was at long last finished as he defeated Roman Reigns to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The win marked the end of a two-year quest that started when Rhodes returned to WWE in April 2022, as well as the end of Reigns’ 1,316-day run on top.

Texting The Undertaker

Rhodes’ win saw the American Nightmare be helped by various Superstars to even the odds with the Bloodline, including John Cena, Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, and The Undertaker. On the Insight podcast, Rhodes recalled what he did that fateful April night after WrestleMania went off the air.

“I didn’t sleep. I went right to the Today Show. I lay in a bunk and I texted a bunch of people including The Undertaker… I left him, what I would call, a rambling, ‘perhaps’ intoxicated little rant, just thanking him for being there. It’s the frickin’ sheriff. [He responded] Immediately after, he was [Grateful.]”

The Next Chapter

For two years, Rhodes had been focused on one story so there was plenty of speculation among fans as to what would be next for him after he won the gold. On the podcast, Rhodes admitted to being uncertain about his future as WWE Champion.

I worried that there would be a sense of completion, this sense of fullness. I was genuinely concerned like ‘Well, [the] story’s over.’ But as soon as it was done, I literally felt ten feet tall, I felt bulletproof. I felt younger, I felt faster. I didn’t feel grizzled at all. To the point where I thought ‘Oh this is going to be a lot of fun.'”

Rhodes’ fun has taken him across the world as he’s had title defenses in France, Saudi Arabia, and Scotland. His next title defense will come at WWE SummerSlam on August 3, when he defends against the ‘Tribal Chief’ Solo Sikoa.

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is eager to see a Premium Live Event in Mexico after competing at an untelevised show in Monterrey.

In the show’s main event, Rhodes retained his championship against Santos Escobar. After the match, the American Nightmare said if anywhere deserves a PLE, it’s Mexico. Rhodes then encouraged the fans to make as much noise as they can, noting how raucous crowd reactions have been seen in England, France, and Scotland, all of which have hosted Premium Live Events.

WWE and Mexico

Rhodes isn’t the only WWE Superstar who hopes to see the company host a PLE in Mexico. WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio has previously advocated for a major event to be hosted in the country that is synonymous with Lucha Libre wrestling.

Rey Mysterio Hoping for Mexico PLE In The Historic Estadio Azteca Stadium

While WWE has yet to host a PLE in Mexico, several TV events have been hosted in the country. WWE’s most recent televised event in Mexico took place in May 2011 and saw close to 20,000 fans fill the El Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City.

It remains to be seen whether WWE will host a PLE in Mexico, though it certainly seems more likely now than ever before. With WWE being more open to hosting major events outside the United States, it may be just a matter of time before Mexico is the home of an official PLE.

The excitement didn’t stop at this week’s SmackDown from Worcester’s DCU Center after the latest episode of the blue brand went off the air.

The July 12, edition of WWE SmackDown saw the road to SummerSlam stretch on with matches set for the Biggest Party of the Summer. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa agreed to a showdown this August in Cleveland. LA Knight also has a contract for a U.S. title match with Logan Paul for SummerSlam but needs Paul to sign the paperwork to make it official.

After WWE SmackDown

The closing moments of this week’s SmackDown saw Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton be laid out by Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline. Rhodes was forced to watch on as Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu delivered a triple powerbomb to Orton through the announce table. After the show, Rhodes, alongside WWE officials (including Jamie Noble and Hurricane Helms) helped Orton to the back.

SmackDown Dark Matches

Fans who stuck around in the DCU Center after SmackDown got to see much more than Orton be helped to the back. In a dark match, Braun Strowman made quick work of honorary Judgment Day member Carlito.

The fans were also treated to a rematch from WWE Backlash: France as World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest took on Jey Uso. Despite a valiant effort by Main Event Jey, it was Priest who once again left with the gold.

Priest will now have to turn his attention to SummerSlam where he will defend against WWE King of the Ring GUNTHER. The 37th annual SummerSlam will take place on August 3, from the Cleveland Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

The forbidden door reopens this weekend, as WWE Superstar AJ Styles returns to Japan to wrestle a match for Pro Wrestling NOAH. The Japanese promotion shocked the wrestling world last month by announcing Styles would be the next opponent of the legendary Naomichi Marufuji.

Styles vs. Marufuji is scheduled for July 13 at Destination from Tokyo, Japan at the Nippon Budokan. The dream match will mark the former WWE Champion’s debut in Noah and the first encounter between the legends.

Before the crossover matchup, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes spoke with NOAH to share his thoughts on the upcoming contest. He spoke highly of both wrestling legends and also credited Marufuji for inspiring his move set.

“…It’s not hyperbole to say that Marufuji, on the other side of the ring, is how important he is to modern pro wrestling and modern sports entertainment,” said Rhodes.

“I mean, if you hit the ropes behind another guy, you call that a Marufuji. That’s a Marufuji forearm. That’s what I do. It’s part of my comeback that I have in my own matches.”

Rhodes added that he’d be open to having a match against Marufuji in the future. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion believes Styles will look to impress this weekend.

“… I can see AJ Styles, really showing out in Japan.”

– Cody Rhodes

More On AJ Styles vs. Naomichi Marufuji

Styles and Marufuji have enjoyed an ongoing successful career and are respected amongst their peers. Styles is on the short list of wrestlers who have won major titles in New Japan Pro Wrestling, TNA Wrestling, and WWE. Marufuji is a four-time GHC Heavyweight Champion and is currently on his ninth reign as a GHC Tag Team Champion.

Both fan favorites have inspired other wrestlers with their accolades and longevity in the wrestling business. This weekend, Styles and Marufuji have the opportunity to showcase why they are still among the best wrestlers in the world. In the previews of their dream match, ‘The Phenomenal One’ has expressed that he wants to tear the house down with his opponent.

NOAH’s Destination event is looking to be an event fans will not want to miss.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently talked about his career trajectory following his monumental WrestleMania XL win over Roman Reigns, and revealed his future plans in the ring. Appearing on The Pivot Podcast, Rhodes discussed the Mount Rushmore of wrestling and his aspirations to secure his place among the industry’s legends.

Rhodes stated that after achieving significant milestones in his professional wrestling career, he looks up to industry icons like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena, comparing his “numbers and stats” with theirs to ensure he matches or even surpasses their achievements.

“There’s even like a post-WrestleMania blues psychology-wise, like what’s the next thing? So I always need a task; what’s my specific task? And that’s an area where I look to Steve Austin and I look to John Cena who are the lead dogs.

This is not me in my ego, I have this [the championship], so I’m currently in front of the pack, right?
I’m the lead dog, as long as I have this. I want to make sure that my numbers — and it’s not the most emotional goal or anything — but I want to make sure my numbers and stats match theirs or supersede theirs because you can’t argue with that.”

Cody Rhodes on his career aspirations after WrestleMania XL win.

After ‘Finishing The Story’ at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes defended his title at Backlash France against AJ Styles and at King and Queen of the Ring against Logan Paul. On May 31, AJ Styles attacked Rhodes during what seemed like a retirement speech. Rhodes later defeated Styles in an “I Quit” match at Clash at the Castle, but was assaulted by The Bloodline afterward, with Randy Orton and Kevin Owens making the save.

On June 21, Rhodes faced Solo Sikoa in a match that ended in disqualification due to Bloodline interference, followed by the debut of Jacob Fatu. At Money in the Bank, The Bloodline (Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Fatu) defeated Rhodes, Orton, and Owens in a six-man tag match, with Rhodes being pinned by Sikoa.

The American Nightmare was recently featured in the Video announcing the return of WWE Bad Blood. Check out the details here.

Bad Blood is back. WWE Bad Blood 2024 will take place from Atlanta, GA at the StateFarm Arena on Saturday, October 5. This date marks the 27-year anniversary of the inaugural WWE In Your House: Bad Blood PPV (October 1997) and the very first Hell in a Cell match.

WWE Bad Blood 2024 tickets go on sale next Friday, July 19 at Ticketmaster. Presale for Bad Blood tickets will begin Tuesday, July 16. Fans can register now to receive an exclusive presale offer by visiting WWE.com/badblood-2024-presale.

WWE Bad Blood

From 1997 to 2004, WWE hosted three Bad Blood events and each one was headlined by a Hell in a Cell match. The inaugural event also saw the inaugural Hell in Cell match as Shawn Michaels defeated The Undertaker (albeit thanks to the interference of the debuting Kane.) Triple H would best Kevin Nash to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in 2003 and the Game would defeat Michaels in Hell in a Cell one year later.

With Triple H’s close association with Bad Blood, it will be interesting to see how he books the show now that he is in charge of WWE’s creative prospects. Time will tell whether the show sees a Hell in a Cell match, which is also close to the Game’s career. One of Triple H’s first acts as Head of Creative was to scrap the Hell in a Cell PLE, believing that the show had lessened the importance of the stipulation. Currently, no matches have been announced for WWE Bad Blood but fans are excited to see what’s to come.

All Elite Wrestling will need to find a new talent to be the promotion’s goodwill ambassador in the place of Cody Rhodes, according to All-Elite alum Kevin Kelly.

Rhodes, alongside wife Brandi, parted ways with AEW in February 2022 and the American Nightmare would return to WWE shortly after. Since then, Rhodes has become one of WWE’s top stars and is currently in his first run as Undisputed WWE Champion.

While Rhodes has achieved plenty in WWE, AEW without him has seen its share of issues. Injuries and backstage drama has taken a considerable amount of shine off Tony Khan’s promotion in the eyes of many fans. Taking to Twitter, Kelly suggested that AEW has yet to find someone who’ll represent AEW on all levels in the way Rhodes did for years.

Kelly knows a thing or two about impactful exits from AEW, though his departure was nowhere close to as amicable as the Rhodes family. Kelly made a series of disparaging remarks on social media earlier this year including accusing fellow AEW broadcaster Ian Riccaboni of libel. After not appearing at an AEW taping, Kelly was let go by the company in

• More on Kevin Kelly’s Exit from All Elite Wrestling

Cody Rhodes: Goodwill Ambassador

When it comes to selecting a representative of your wrestling promotion, one would struggle to find a better candidate than Cody Rhodes. Articles highlighting Rhodes’ connection with fans are a regular occurrence online, demonstrating his commitment to his role as a leading name in WWE. Earlier this year, Rhodes got up close and personal with a visually impaired fan at a WWE event who held a sign saying they were trying to see him. This heartwarming interaction came about mere weeks after Rhodes agreed to be the Best Man at a fan’s wedding. 

• Cody Rhodes Ensures Disabled Fan Attends Money in the Bank After Tickets Are Unfairly Revoked

Kevin Sullivan has had a rough journey over the past several weeks and ‘The Taskmaster’ is getting a little help from fans and some major wrestling names.

Unfortunately, Sullivan was involved in a car accident back on May 12 while in Florida for an autograph signing. The aftermath was devastating but the hospital was able to save his leg and his life. However, Sullivan developed sepsis and encephalitis and in turn, has been hospitalized in ICU.

Sullivan has been in and out of conciousness, but ‘The Taskmaster’ keeps fighting on. His insurance plan has been nearly exhausted due to the ongoing expenses and his family has created a GoFundMe to help him and his family afford his recovery.

Not only did fans come out of the woodwork to help Kevin Sullivan, but a lot of big names in the pro wrestling world have too.

RELATED: Kevin Nash and Scott Hall Talk Unlikely nWo Backstage Influence

Jim Cornette and his wife Stacey donated $5,000 to the cause, Chris Jericho donated $2,500, Scott D’Amore donated $1,500, Cody Rhodes sent Sullivan $1,000 and so did Diamond Dallas Page. Norman Smiley also donated.

The original goal for the GoFundMe was $20,000, but with the help from his colleagues and wrestling fans, the donations are up to over $24,000.

The Sullivan family listed all that the money will go to in helping Kevin and it includes continued hospital expenses, skilled nursing care, acute and subacute occupational and physical therapy, recurring medical expenses and transportation.

You can still donate to Sullivan by going to The GoFundMe page.

We at SEScoops want to wish Kevin Sullivan a very speedy and healthy recovery from this unfortunate situation.

RELATED: Cody Rhodes Ensures Disabled Fan Attends Money in the Bank After Tickets Are Unfairly Revoked

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has ensured that a fan with a disability will attend this weekend’s WWE Money in the Bank event in Toronto, Ontario.

Mike Ashkewe was stunned when he received a phone call from the American Nightmare who informed the long-time fan that there were tickets for Money in the Bank. Not only that, but Rhodes informed Mike that WWE would pay for his transportation. You can check out a click of the pair’s conversation here.

As he explained on Twitter, Mike had won tickets to Money in the Bank through Toys R Us Canada and was excited to see the WWE Superstars in action. Just days before the show, he was informed that the offer of tickets had been rescinded as they wouldn’t be able to get accessible seating for Mike, who uses a wheelchair. Later on, Mike said that WWE had apologized and made amends.

Cody Rhodes was also pleased to know that Mike will be able to attend the show after all and the American Nightmare made sure to credit WWE and the Scotiabank Arena.

Mike won’t just have a great seat at WWE Money in the Bank on July 6, but will also get to see Rhodes in non-title action. The American Nightmare will team with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton to face three members of The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu.)

WWE Money In The Bank 2024 will be the promotion’s 15th event under the name and the second to take place outside of the United States (following last year’s event in London, England.) Five matches have been confirmed for the show including two titular ladder matches as well as bouts for the World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships.

Cody Rhodes’ days with AEW may be long over, but the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion was a part of the most recent episode of Collision.

On the June 29, 2024, episode of AEW’s Saturday show, a vignette aired teasing the long-awaited return of ‘Hangman’ Adam Page. Prior to this episode, the former AEW World Champion had not appeared on AEW programming since Revolution 2024 in March, where he challenged for the World title.

While Page’s vignette focused on the Cowboy, many fans were surprised to see Cody Rhodes make an unlikely AEW appearance. Around 23 seconds into the video, a photo of Rhodes, alongside Page, and the Young Bucks can be seen.

Rhodes left AEW in February 2022, just over three years after he and others founded the company in January 2019. The American Nightmare would return to WWE weeks later and has been one of the company’s top stars ever since. Despite now being part of AEW’s main competition, Rhodes has routinely praised the company and the efforts of those still in AEW in interviews.

What’s Next?

It’s unclear when Page will make his physical return to AEW, though some have speculated it could be at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door. If not, then the Cowboy could make an impactful return at AEW All In inside Wembley Stadium this August.

As for Rhodes, he will continue his war with The Bloodline, now led by Solo Sikoa. Rhodes will team with Randy Orton and Kevin Owens to face the faction at WWE Money in the Bank on July 6. The show will prove especially testing for Rhodes, as should his match happen after the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, could be the victim of a swift briefcase cash-in.

• AEW Higher-Ups Approved ‘Blood Drinking’ At Full Gear PPV