When Cody Rhodes thinks about Boston, one evening instantly involves thoughts.
It befell at TD Backyard on WWE’s flagship present Uncooked in March 2023, and what made it so memorable was hometown hero John Cena introducing him to the gang.
“I love wrestling history, and Boston is rich in wrestling history with everything that transpired at the Boston Garden,” stated Rhodes. “My second in Boston got here with John on the ramp two years in the past. That was actually validating. We’d identified one another for years, however that was John’s introduction to who I’d change into as ‘The American Nightmare.’
“Plus, whenever there is wrestling anywhere near Boston, I think of Kowloon. I’ve never walked into Kowloon, at least not yet, but I love how they always host us – it’s one of the few things the group always does together.”
When Rhodes shared the stage in Boston with Cena, he took his shot – leaning in and asking the famous person for a match earlier than Cena completed his profession. That request grew to become a actuality when Rhodes wrestled Cena within the WrestleMania 41 foremost occasion this previous April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
A legendary crowd favourite, Cena – the Newburyport native who’s retiring on the finish of the yr – entered uncharted territory by changing into the villain, dishonest to take the WWE title from Rhodes.
Ever since packing up his gear at WrestleMania, Rhodes has stored the safety sticker on his bag from Allegiant Stadium. He doesn’t plan on eradicating it till he regains the belt. Rhodes can have his probability subsequent month when he headlines SummerSlam towards Cena.
“Whatever edge I had before pales in comparison to the edge I’ve had since leaving WrestleMania,” stated Rhodes, who defeated Randy Orton within the finals of the King of the Ring match to earn this title shot. “Think about how insanely competitive I am with my peers. I want so badly to continue to run the score up on anyone who doubted me, as well as fight for all those who believe in me.”
Cena’s victory towards Orton befell in Saudi Arabia two weeks in the past on the Evening of Champions occasion. Regardless of the turmoil within the Center East between Israel and Iran, WWE made its journey to Saudi Arabia uninterrupted.
“That is a responsibility to our fan base,” stated Rhodes. “I don’t need to be detrimental, however I’ll say there’s this entire ‘gotcha culture’ over who’s a Democrat, who’s a Republican, who’s a average, and who folks help. None of this stuff actually ought to be anyone’s enterprise – as a result of our enterprise goes the place our present goes, which is everywhere in the world, and hopefully bringing folks collectively.
“WWE is a non-partisan brand. We go where the show goes. One of the biggest eye-opening moments when you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is when you look out at the fans at the show, at the meet and greets, or outside the hotel – and there is such a similarity between those who are hungry for WWE back home and those who are hungry for it in Europe and those who are so hungry for it all over the world. I feel so honored, especially in tumultuous times, to be able to go.”
One other reminiscence from Boston immediately seized Rhodes’ consideration. It befell within the fall of 2009 on the SmackDown 10-year anniversary present throughout an eight-man tag that includes a bevy of stars – with Cena, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Triple H towards CM Punk, Orton, Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.
“After the broadcast, confetti dropped on The Undertaker while he was mid-pose on one knee,” stated a smiling Rhodes. “That was a bit of a rib from the people in the Gorilla position. I’ll never forget his reaction – let’s just say Taker wasn’t happy about it.”
Unforgettable moments are an indicator of Rhodes’ profession. He’s main the best way as WWE turns into much more mainstream, extra fashionable, and extra worthwhile, a mission he believes is simply in its early phases.
“If you ask me or Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley or Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns, or anyone else from our locker room, we’re all hell bent on making this WWE run stronger than any era in existence,” stated Rhodes. “I’m not talking about when you look back 10 years from now. I’m talking about a golden era, and we refuse to miss the mark.”
An integral piece of WWE’s future takes place at SummerSlam. Rhodes’ request from two years in the past in Boston has come true – he will get to share the ring once more with Cena.
“John Cena is the greatest champion in wrestling history,” stated Rhodes. “It’s silly to assume he’s handing out any torches. He needs to exit like a warrior, or he’ll go away with the title, then we’ll should have some foolish match or one thing that I can forestall right here and now.
“You have to beat him to grab that torch. Hit him where the ref can count to 100 if he wants. It honors his legacy to give him that as a warrior.”
