Cody Rhodes honored his late father, Dusty Rhodes, with a deeply moving tribute during his entrance at SummerSlam 2025. The event took place as Rhodes defeated John Cena to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship, marking a pivotal moment in his career while carrying the memory of his father with him through a specially crafted, audio mashup of Dusty Rhodes’ promos and voice clips. This tribute reflected Rhodes’ enduring admiration and emotional connection to his father, who passed away in 2015 at age 69.
Insights into the Emotional Tribute Shared by Cody Rhodes
On the SummerSlam Sunday Post-Show, Cody Rhodes opened up about the impact of having his father’s voice during such a significant night. He revealed that the idea was a collaborative effort involving Brian Fadem and Triple H, resulting in selecting Dusty Rhodes’ words to symbolize the relentless pursuit of greatness. Rhodes highlighted one particular phrase, “the view never changes,” as his favorite and most meaningful, describing how it perfectly captures the challenge of the journey.
“You’ve got a really wonderful — Brian Fadem in the truck and you’ve got Triple H and I had an idea of maybe some words that could describe the journey of a champion, the words of somebody describing the chase… Hey, the words they used were his words, and ‘the view never changes’ is my favorite thing he ever said because it’s so accurate,”
Cody Rhodes said.
He continued by emphasizing the difficulty of striving for the top and honoring his father’s legacy while leading the way.
“And no matter what you do here, it is so hard to climb and to put that view in a different perspective and to try and lead like he suggested. I can’t have him here with me, but in a moment like that, I can feel him with me, and that’s a blessing. I’m lucky to have that, and it’s like he came down to the ring with me in a way,”
Rhodes shared. —Cody Rhodes
Context on SummerSlam 2025 and Rhodes’ Championship Win
The SummerSlam event was a defining chapter in Cody Rhodes’ journey, where he faced John Cena, a 17-time world champion, and emerged victorious. This reclaiming of the Undisputed WWE Championship marked not only a professional comeback but also a deeply personal triumph, further intensified by the inclusion of the tribute to his father. The win symbolized both the continuation of Rhodes’ legacy and his determination to carry forward the values and inspiration passed down from Dusty Rhodes.
Other WWE Highlights and Updates from SummerSlam 2025
Apart from Cody Rhodes’ memorable night, other notable stories emerged during SummerSlam 2025. Triple H addressed the prospect of England hosting WrestleMania for the first time ever, providing updates on WWE’s expanding global reach. Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton defeated Jade Cargill, signaling a potential shift in WWE’s perception of the star after her SummerSlam loss. Roman Reigns also made headlines with a confident claim about his future alongside Jey Uso, following their tag team victory at the event.
Additionally, Bron Breakker sustained an injury during SummerSlam, with backstage information shedding light on his condition. Meanwhile, CM Punk managed to defeat Gunther but failed to retain the World Heavyweight Championship, igniting discussions about the match’s performance and outcome. Further speculation surrounds Stephanie McMahon’s possible return to the ring after being questioned on the topic recently.
The Lasting Impact of Cody Rhodes’ Dedication to His Father
Cody Rhodes’ tribute to Dusty Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025 demonstrates the powerful role family legacy plays in professional wrestling. By sharing his father‘s voice during his championship entrance, Rhodes not only honored his father’s memory but also motivated himself on one of the sport’s biggest nights. This moment has resonated deeply with fans and within the wrestling community, highlighting how personal history and tradition continue to shape the future of WWE.
Looking forward, this display of heartfelt tribute sets a tone for Rhodes’ continued journey in WWE, where passion and determination blend with respect for those who paved the way. His victory and the emotional weight carried during his entrance serve as a compelling reminder of the enduring influence of Dusty Rhodes on both his son’s career and the broader wrestling landscape.
