During a recent Q&A session with “Cultaholic,” former WCW wrestler Fred Ottman (Tugboat/Typhoon) discussed the meteoric rise of Cody Rhodes in WWE following his return to the Endeavor-owned promotion in 2022.
Ottman said, “I think he’s phenomenal. I think the fact he left [WWE] when he did … Because WWE has always been one of those places where they would take all the great talent they could find and they want to own it. The trouble with owning things, doing TV and pay-per-views is this: you got angles going on, storylines, but the bottom line is if you’re not figured in [to] what’s going on now, you’ve got to wait for the opportunity.”
At last Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble 2024 pay-per-view event, Rhodes won the men’s Royal Rumble match to punch his ticket to WrestleMania XL.
During a recent virtual signing with “Captain’s Corner,” former WWE Superstar Riddick Moss recalled his pairing with Baron Corbin in WWE.
Moss said, “So first of all, when I first debuted as Madcap, I was just pretending to be a cameraman, and I jumped Kevin Owens, but for that ‘SmackDown,’ I didn’t even know I was going to be on TV. I was just coming off an ACL injury and thought I was just doing a dark match. And so I didn’t really bring any clothes to wear … They told me, ‘Hey, we’re actually going to put you with Corbin tonight.’”
The Rise of Cody Rhodes in WWE: A Phenomenal Journey
In the world of professional wrestling, few stories are as captivating as the rise of Cody Rhodes. After leaving WWE in 2016, Rhodes embarked on a journey that would see him become one of the most prominent and successful wrestlers in the industry. His meteoric rise since returning to the Endeavor-owned promotion in 2022 has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Former WCW wrestler Fred Ottman, better known as Tugboat or Typhoon, recently spoke about Rhodes’ incredible journey during a Q&A session with “Cultaholic.” Ottman praised Rhodes, stating, “I think he’s phenomenal. I think the fact he left [WWE] when he did… Because WWE has always been one of those places where they would take all the great talent they could find and they want to own it.”
Ottman’s observation sheds light on an important aspect of WWE’s approach to talent management. The company has a history of signing top talent and retaining creative control over their characters and storylines. While this approach has its benefits, it can also limit opportunities for wrestlers who are not currently in the spotlight.
Rhodes’ decision to leave WWE allowed him the freedom to explore other opportunities and showcase his skills outside of the company’s confines. During his time away from WWE, Rhodes wrestled in various promotions, including Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He reinvented himself and gained invaluable experience that would shape his future success.
Fast forward to the WWE Royal Rumble 2024 pay-per-view event, where Rhodes emerged victorious in the men’s Royal Rumble match. This win secured his spot at WrestleMania XL, the pinnacle of professional wrestling events. It was a triumphant moment for Rhodes and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Another former WWE Superstar, Riddick Moss, also shared his experience working with Rhodes’ fellow WWE colleague, Baron Corbin. Moss, in a virtual signing with “Captain’s Corner,” recalled his unexpected pairing with Corbin. He revealed that he was initially unaware of his appearance on TV and had not brought any clothes for the occasion. However, WWE informed him that he would be teaming up with Corbin that night.
Moss’ anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry. Opportunities can arise at a moment’s notice, and wrestlers must be ready to seize them. Rhodes’ journey is a prime example of this, as he capitalized on the opportunities presented to him and made the most of his talents.
The rise of Cody Rhodes in WWE is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling. His decision to leave WWE allowed him to carve his own path and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Rhodes’ win at the Royal Rumble and subsequent qualification for WrestleMania XL only solidify his status as one of the top wrestlers in the world.
As fans eagerly await Rhodes’ WrestleMania XL appearance, it is clear that his journey is far from over. With each match, he continues to captivate audiences and prove that he is deserving of his place in the spotlight. The rise of Cody Rhodes is a story of triumph, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness in the world of professional wrestling.