Cody Rhodes on Randy Orton Rivalry and Past Doubts About Being WWE Champion
- Cody Rhodes captured headlines ahead of Sunday Night's Main Event by asserting that Randy Orton would fall short against him for a third time, though that prediction ultimately...
- The pre-show remarks stemmed from an interview where Rhodes addressed sharp criticism from Orton, who had publicly labeled him an addict, described him as sick, and accused him...
- I’ve never trusted or liked a wrestler who said he didn’t want to be champion.
Cody Rhodes captured headlines ahead of Sunday Night’s Main Event by asserting that Randy Orton would fall short against him for a third time, though that prediction ultimately missed the mark when Orton secured the victory according to OutKick and Fox News Digital.
Orton Upset Shakes Up Sunday Night’s Main Event
The pre-show remarks stemmed from an interview where Rhodes addressed sharp criticism from Orton, who had publicly labeled him an addict, described him as sick, and accused him of prioritizing the WWE Championship above all else.
I’ve never trusted or liked a wrestler who said he didn’t want to be champion.
Cody Rhodes via Wrestling News
Self-Doubt and the Long Climb to WrestleMania 40
Beyond the immediate rivalry with Orton, Rhodes recently reflected on the earlier stages of his career during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, acknowledging that his physical appearance played a role in his own self-doubt regarding the company’s top tier.
Rhodes admitted feeling that he lacked the necessary physique to carry the promotion during his initial climb.
I also don’t think I was buff enough. I don’t think I was jacked up enough. Yeah, you can’t be the face of the company or champion if you look like you’re bagging groceries.
Cody Rhodes
The 378-Day Reign and SummerSlam Rematch
That perspective contrasts sharply with his run that culminated at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, where Rhodes finally finished his story by capturing the WWE Championship.
He maintained that title for a substantial reign of 378 days before John Cena utilized questionable tactics to secure a record 17th WWE World Championship.
The rivalry and championship picture intensifies as August 3 approaches, with Rhodes scheduled to challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship at WWE SummerSlam in a rematch of their WrestleMania 41 encounter.
Addressing Rumors of a Potential Heel Turn
Addressing those rumors in an interview preceding the weekly SmackDown broadcasts, Rhodes indicated that a character shift is not on the immediate horizon, though he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the industry while outlining how a potential villainous persona might look under his own terms.
I always like to say in what we do, never say never. And the more you’re in this, it’s probably likely. But I think my version of a heel is just way too… I don’t know. I wouldn’t have music. The song would go away. The entrance would go away. I’d try to get myself canceled.
Cody Rhodes
Despite such commentary leaving room for interpretation among the fanbase, Rhodes remains firmly positioned as a central figure in WWE programming as the SummerSlam event approaches.