The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes has been considered one of the most versatile and improved WWE superstars of this generation. Rhodes left the company back in 2016 after a lackluster run but underwent a career resurgence outside the global juggernaut that made him a credible megastar of the industry.
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Dusty Rhodes’ son rejuvenated himself into a completely different personality that led him to massive success and ultimately back to the global juggernaut. Here are the Top 5 moments of Cody Rhodes’ career in WWE during his second stint.
5 Cody Rhodes Makes A Grand Return At WrestleMania 38
During the build-up to WrestleMania 38, the Drip God Seth Rollins was itching was a big fight night in Dallas on the Grandest Stage of them All. Moreover, Rollins even paid a visit to Vince McMahon at WWE Headquarters in Stanford to demand his place at WrestleMania. The Chairman granted his wish and informed him that he would be in a huge clash at the Show of Shows against a surprise opponent of his choosing.
Rollins arrived in Dallas and waited inside the ring to know who his mystery adversary was for the night. Right after, the lights went out and the sound of ‘The Kingdom’ echoed throughout the entire AT&T stadium as Cody Rhodes made his grand return to WWE to battle Seth Rollins in a moment that would be remembered for the ages.
4 Cody Rhodes’ Emotional Speech On The RAW After WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes’ comeback to WWE at WrestleMania 38 ended in a triumphant victory for him over Seth Rollins, much to the ovation of the WWE Universe. The American Nightmare arrived on the RAW after WrestleMania the next night to address the fans who were thrilled to see him return ‘home.’
Rhodes’ compassionate speech, mentioning his journey from a mid-card attraction to becoming a top-tier talent, success outside WWE, and eventual return got the fans emotional and right in the corner of the Prodigal Son. Cody closed the segment vowing to win the WWE championship in his second coming to honor the memory of his late father- The American Dream Dusty Rhodes who never had the privilege to hold that world championship during his illustrious career.
3 Cody Rhodes Shows Heart & Desire To Fight At Hell In A Cell 2022
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins were embroiled in a heated rivalry ever since Rhodes reemerged in WWE at WrestleMania 38. The duo had delivered two exceptionally great wrestling bouts and was scheduled for their final encounter at the 2022 WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. However, tragedy struck just a week before the event as Cody Rhodes suffered a torn pec during his training sessions.
Despite the severity of the injury, The American Nightmare showed up for his match against Seth Rollins at the pay-per-view. The extent of the injury was visible as Rhodes removed his robe to show the disfigured skin around his shoulder area. However, his desire to perform and willingness to give it all led to Cody delivering a 5-star classic showdown against Rollins. Rhodes’ fought back and forth with practically one arm and emerged victorious to close his chapter with The Visionary.
2 Cody Rhodes’ Triumphant Return At The Royal Rumble
Cody Rhodes was on the sidelines for nearly seven months due to his pec injury. The former WWE Intercontinental champion worked his way back up to recover from his devastating injury and it was announced that Rhodes would make his return at the 2023 Royal Rumble event. WWE promoted his return through a series of vignettes that run during the build-up to the Rumble event.
The American Nightmare reemerged in the namesake 30-man over-the-top-rope melee as the number #30 entrant. The match came down to Rhodes and the Ring General Gunther who exchanged blows as a huge opportunity hung in the balance. In the end, Cody tossed the WWE Intercontinental champion over the top rope and secured his chance for a main event world championship match at WrestleMania 39.
1 Cody Rhodes In The Main Event Of WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes spent the first run of his WWE career as a mid-card talent with no major moment or accolade to count for. However, all that changed in the span of one year of his return to WWE. Not only did he create some great moments, but achieved the pinnacle of sports entertainment.
Rhodes’ victory in the 2023 Royal Rumble match guaranteed his spot in the main event of WrestleMania, a place where every aspiring WWE superstar hopes to make it to cement his legacy as a top performer. However, despite all the momentum, support from the audience, and the desire to “finish the story,” Rhodes fell short in his quest of dethroning Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal championship at WrestleMania 39.
Which was your favorite Cody Rhodes moment from his second WWE run? Do you think he would become the World champion soon? Sound off in the comments!
