Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens friendship has taken center stage in the wrestling spotlight, as Rhodes recently revealed Owens is among his rare, genuine friends in the business. This revelation came after a fierce on-screen rivalry between the two wrestlers, culminating in a dramatic title match.
How Personal Rivalries Shaped the Bond Between Rhodes and Owens
Towards the end of 2024 and leading into 2025, Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens were embroiled in one of WWE’s most heated storylines. Owens, known for his disdain of Roman Reigns, became increasingly jealous of Rhodes’ alliance with Reigns, prompting Owens to turn heel against Rhodes and Randy Orton. Their animosity built up to a climactic showdown at the Royal Rumble, where Rhodes outlasted Owens in a grueling Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The rivalry reached its peak when Rhodes delivered an Alabama Slam to Owens through a ladder, a move that secured his victory and enabled him to retain his championship. Despite the violence and intensity between them in the ring, the relationship between Rhodes and Owens defies typical wrestling rivalries, revealing a deep professional respect and friendship underneath their competitive personas.
Rhodes’ Perspective on Friendship in Wrestling
The unfolding of Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens friendship was highlighted on Rhodes’
“What Do You Wanna Talk About”
podcast. During the episode, Rhodes introduced Owens by discussing the scarcity of true camaraderie in the wrestling world, echoing wisdom he inherited from his father, who had counted his own friends in the business on one hand.
Rhodes did not hesitate to identify Owens as a member of this exclusive circle. He spoke candidly about the way Owens had changed the course of professional wrestling and had a meaningful impact on Rhodes’ own career path. Their relationship, forged by years of competition and mutual support, stands out in an industry often marked by fleeting alliances.
“This guest I didn’t think of an intro for because this is one of my friends in the wrestling business. My father used to say he probably had five friends in the wrestling business and then he would list them out, it would seem more like three. DDP always excited that he remained one of those digits. But one of my very few friends in the entire business, uh, former everything champion. WrestleMania Saturday Night Main Eventer, all the things you can possibly do. All the things you can possibly do and somebody who changed the course…”
—Cody Rhodes
In a lighthearted moment, Owens replied, “Except Sunday night.” —Kevin Owens
The exchange referenced Owens’ accomplishment as a two-time WrestleMania Saturday main eventer, contrasted with Rhodes’ headlining appearances at both Saturday and Sunday WrestleMania shows. This shared history and friendly banter further underscored the genuine rapport between them.
Owens’ Influence on Rhodes’ Career and Life
Rhodes continued to describe how Owens’ advice and friendship have supported him professionally and personally. He credited Owens for providing guidance during critical career junctures and for always keeping in touch despite the turbulent nature of the industry. Rhodes painted Owens as not only a colleague but an exceptional human being whose interests—including a passion for zoos and dinosaurs—add another dimension to their bond.
“And somebody who changed the course of professional wrestling in general by the things he did. Changed my course at least, helping me out, sending me out into the unknown with the proper information, which I needed at the time.Following my career, keeping up with me, one of my, again, I might be like my dad with five friends, maybe it’s less, he is certainly one of them, an exceptional human being. A lover of zoos, this guy loves the zoos, folks, and a dinosaur man as well, please welcome to What Do You Wanna Talk About, the one and only Kevin Owens.”
—Cody Rhodes
Such moments reveal the rare loyalty and respect that persist between certain competitors despite the ever-present rivalries in professional wrestling. Their connection reflects not just shared experiences in the ring but also unwavering support outside of it.
Rhodes’ Current Journey Toward Championship Redemption
Following his intense rivalry with Owens and subsequent victory at the Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes remains on a quest to reclaim the WWE Title, which he lost to John Cena at WrestleMania 41. His recent triumph against Jey Uso in the King of the Ring semifinals on Monday Night Raw propelled him into the tournament finals, where he will square off against his longtime mentor, Randy Orton. This pivotal match is set to headline the Night of Champions event on June 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Night of Champions will showcase several high-stakes contests, including:
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
- King of the Ring Tournament Finals: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
- United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
- Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
- Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Fans can watch the Night of Champions event live from Riyadh on June 28 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, streaming on Peacock for viewers in the United States and on Netflix internationally. This event promises significant twists as Rhodes takes another step towards his championship ambitions and faces a former mentor in a clash that could redefine their careers.
The Broader Impact of Friendship and Rivalry in WWE
The recent revelations about Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens friendship are a reminder of the unique human connections that sometimes form in the demanding world of wrestling. Despite public drama and frequent storyline betrayals, some bonds remain extremely strong behind the scenes. As Rhodes speaks openly about the small circle of people he trusts, the example he sets is likely to resonate with others, whether inside or outside of wrestling.
As Cody Rhodes prepares for another defining match and Kevin Owens continues to shape the future of wrestling, their enduring friendship stands testament to the complexities and emotional depth within the business. With major events like Night of Champions on the horizon, the wrestling community will be watching closely—not just for the results in the ring, but for the moments of real connection that emerge from even the fiercest rivalries.
