When Cody Rhodes thinks about Boston, one night time instantly involves thoughts.
It came about 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 group.
“I really like wrestling historical past, and Boston is wealthy in wrestling historical past with all the pieces that transpired on the Boston Backyard,” mentioned Rhodes. “My second in Boston got here with John on the ramp two years in the past. That was actually validating. We’d recognized one another for years, however that was John’s introduction to who I’d turn out to be as ‘The American Nightmare.’
“Plus, each time there may be wrestling wherever close to Boston, I consider Kowloon. I’ve by no means walked into Kowloon, a minimum of not but, however I really like how they all the time host us – it’s one of many few issues the group all the time does collectively.”
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 fundamental 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 likelihood subsequent month when he headlines SummerSlam towards Cena.
“No matter edge I had earlier than pales compared to the sting I’ve had since leaving WrestleMania,” mentioned Rhodes, who defeated Randy Orton within the finals of the King of the Ring event to earn this title shot. “Take into consideration how insanely aggressive I’m with my friends. I would like so badly to proceed to run the rating up on anybody who doubted me, in addition to combat for all those that imagine in me.”
Cena’s victory towards Orton came about in Saudi Arabia two weeks in the past on the Night time of Champions occasion. Regardless of the turmoil within the Center East between Israel and Iran, WWE made its journey to Saudi Arabia uninterrupted.
“That may be a duty to our fan base,” mentioned Rhodes. “I don’t need to be adverse, however I’ll say there may be this entire ‘gotcha tradition’ over who’s a Democrat, who’s a Republican, who’s a reasonable, and who individuals assist. None of these items actually must be anyone’s enterprise – as a result of our enterprise goes the place our present goes, which is all around the world, and hopefully bringing individuals collectively.
“WWE is a non-partisan model. We go the place the present goes. One of many greatest eye-opening moments if you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is if you look out on the followers on the present, on the meet and greets, or outdoors the lodge – and there may be such a similarity between those that are hungry for WWE again residence and people who are hungry for it in Europe and people who are so hungry for it all around the world. I really feel so honored, particularly in tumultuous instances, to have the ability to go.”
One other reminiscence from Boston immediately seized Rhodes’ consideration. It came about 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 published, confetti dropped on The Undertaker whereas he was mid-pose on one knee,” mentioned a smiling Rhodes. “That was a little bit of a rib from the individuals within the Gorilla place. I’ll always remember his response – let’s simply say Taker wasn’t blissful about it.”
Unforgettable moments are a trademark of Rhodes’ profession. He’s main the best way as WWE turns into much more mainstream, extra standard, and extra worthwhile, a mission he believes is simply in its early phases.
“Should you ask me or Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley or Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns, or anybody else from our locker room, we’re all hell bent on making this WWE run stronger than any period in existence,” mentioned Rhodes. “I’m not speaking about if you look again 10 years from now. I’m speaking a few golden period, 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 best champion in wrestling historical past,” mentioned Rhodes. “It’s silly to assume he’s handing out any torches. He desires to exit like a warrior, or he’ll depart with the title, then we’ll need to have some foolish event or one thing that I can stop right here and now.
“You need to beat him to seize that torch. Hit him the place the ref can rely to 100 if he desires. It honors his legacy to present him that as a warrior.”
