Cody Rhodes has proven his worth to WWE, quickly becoming one of the promotion’s biggest current stars, initially building himself on the independent circuit and founding AEW. Even with all of his success, “American Nightmare” often credits those who paved the way for him, most recently putting WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio in the spotlight. after similarly praising the veteran years ago.
Looking back at the 2011 fight against Mysterio During an interview with James SweetnamRhodes claims he had a lot of creative freedom and freedom to compete.
“I don’t think he believes me, I tell him, I tell Dom, I don’t think they believe me, nothing happens in my career without Rey Mysterio wrestling me at WrestleMania in my hometown,” Rhodes said, declaring that his career stems from that match and praising Mysterio, who has always been in his timeless persona.
“Wrestling is always at its best when these organic moments happen, you know,” he said, referring to the fact that his nose was legitimately broken by Mysterio. “But then, the idea of being disfigured, even when you’re not disfigured, that almost body dysmorphia, and what that can do. It was just a really deep place to go early in my career.”
Although he had to dig deep to pull off his “Undashing” persona, Rhodes notes that he was able to add an element of fun to the character when he placed paper bags over people’s heads. He then added that WWE Creative wanted him to put the bags on the “ugly” audience, but claims he refused to do so. “It looks like an assault,” Rhodes said.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit James Sweetnam and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
