Cody Rhodes successfully dethroned Roman Reigns to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WWE WrestleMania 40 (Night Two).
Speaking on the post-show media scrum, the American Nightmare commented on why “finishing the story” resonates with people, what he’d tell his father if he were alive today, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the media scrum below:
On why “finishing the story” resonates with people: “It’s a great question. I think sometimes if feels like it’s a father-son story. It’s just something that, you know, father-daughter, father-son that people can see and relate to. But then if I’m truly being honest, I think it’s a story of — as much as I and the legacy and I had the last name, I wasn’t born with all the tools. My brother’s 6’4”. You know how pissed I was when I stopped growing? My dad and my sister had just all this charisma. And I think people resonate, that works for them. You can make it to the main event. You can make it to being THE main event. I always wanted to be a winning franchise, if that makes any sense. And at my age and where I’m at in my career, I know that’s not been the story. But I’m very proud of what the story has become.
“And you asked why it resonates. This is the only answer I really know. Because it’s real. I wanted to be this because at first he wasn’t and I thought he should have been. And then when he passed away, I failed, you know? I didn’t hand it to him. But it became about — I said this earlier… the story was beyond me at that point. And I still felt the need to finish it. I’ve been saying all week… even if I didn’t believe, people believed. So I had to do it.”
On being given his father’s watch: “I know this isn’t you asked, but something I wanted to share. I came to the back and Bruce Prichard and Triple H, and Nick Khan handed me this [watch], which is the same watch that my dad had, that he pawned so I could go to acting school. So the level of investment and responsibility that the company put in my hands? I hope that I can pay it back and pay it forward 100 times over.”
On what he would say to Dusty now: “That’s a great question. If I’m being honest, I think I’d want to say to him that ‘I hope I lived up to your name. And thank you for that name.’ And then I would say, ‘Sorry about the tattoo.’”
Cody Rhodes Makes History by Winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40
In a stunning turn of events, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious over Roman Reigns to claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40 (Night Two). The American Nightmare’s triumph marked a significant milestone in his career and left fans in awe of his accomplishment.
During the post-show media scrum, Cody Rhodes took the time to reflect on his journey and shed light on why “finishing the story” resonates with people. He acknowledged that his own story, much like a father-son narrative, holds a universal appeal. Despite not being born with all the inherent advantages, Cody Rhodes has managed to carve his own path to success, proving that hard work and determination can lead to great achievements.
The legacy of his father, Dusty Rhodes, played a pivotal role in Cody’s motivation to excel in the wrestling industry. He expressed his initial disappointment at not inheriting all the tools that his brother possessed or the charisma that his father and sister exuded. However, Cody Rhodes believes that this relatability is what captivates fans. They see themselves in his struggle and find inspiration in the fact that anyone can rise to the main event and become a winning franchise.
The emotional weight of carrying on his father’s legacy became even more apparent after Dusty Rhodes passed away. Cody Rhodes felt a sense of failure for not being able to hand him the success he deserved. However, he realized that the story had transcended his personal journey and became something larger than himself. The belief and support from fans compelled him to continue pursuing his dream and ultimately achieve victory at WrestleMania 40.
Another poignant moment for Cody Rhodes occurred backstage when he was presented with his father’s watch by Bruce Prichard, Triple H, and Nick Khan. This watch held sentimental value as it was the same watch Dusty Rhodes had pawned to finance Cody’s acting school education. The gesture symbolized the level of trust and responsibility the company had placed in Cody’s hands. He expressed his gratitude and vowed to repay that faith by giving his all and making a positive impact in the wrestling industry.
When asked what he would say to Dusty Rhodes if given the chance, Cody Rhodes responded with a mix of gratitude and humor. He would express his hope of living up to his father’s name and thank him for bestowing it upon him. Additionally, he would apologize for the tattoo he has on his neck, indicating that it might not have been a decision his father would have approved of.
Cody Rhodes’ victory at WrestleMania 40 not only solidified his place in wrestling history but also showcased the power of perseverance and determination. His story resonates with fans because it is rooted in reality and demonstrates that dreams can be achieved against all odds. As Cody Rhodes continues to carry the legacy of his father, Dusty Rhodes, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and reminds us all that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.