Cody Rhodes honored by Tom Brady at Fan Fest, as NFL icons Tom Brady and Eli Manning provided unexpected excitement in New York City during the 2025 Fanatics Fan Fest. Their high-profile interactions and the tribute to Rhodes brought together the worlds of NFL and WWE in a memorable event at the Javits Center on Saturday.
NFL and WWE Stars Collide at Fanatics Fan Fest
The 2025 Fanatics Fan Fest at Javits Center in New York City became the stage for a unique crossover between sports legends and WWE superstars. Tom Brady took center stage, emerging to the WWE theme ‘Kingdom’ while wearing sunglasses and displaying a gold championship belt. Although Cody Rhodes was not scheduled to appear, his legacy influenced Brady’s actions as he mimicked Rhodes’ well-known signature pose before the crowd.
The event featured a gathering of notable WWE personalities, including John Cena, CM Punk, Triple H, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and Rhea Ripley. Fans were enthusiastic as Brady entertained the crowd by tearing a Peyton Manning jersey in half, an act that referenced his storied NFL rivalry.
Eli Manning Surprises Tom Brady with a WWE-Style Attack
The atmosphere turned electrifying when Eli Manning suddenly confronted Brady. In a playful yet dramatic moment, Manning jumped onto Brady’s back and attempted a chokehold as the audience reacted with delight. This encounter highlighted the ongoing competitive spirit between the former NFL quarterbacks, with footage of the incident quickly going viral thanks to WWE’s social media platforms.
Tom Brady and Peyton Manning had a longstanding rivalry in professional football, with Brady generally prevailing during their careers. However, Eli Manning remains significant in this context, holding a 2-0 record against Brady in Super Bowl matchups, preventing Brady from reaching nine Super Bowl rings during his time with the New England Patriots.
Cody Rhodes Responds to Tom Brady’s Tribute
Although Cody Rhodes was not present at the Javits Center on Saturday, he acknowledged Tom Brady’s tribute via social media. Rhodes, preparing for an appearance on Sunday alongside WWE stars such as Kevin Owens, Penta, Dominik Mysterio, Damian Priest, Nikki Bella, Rhea Ripley, and Trish Stratus, engaged with the viral video, reinforcing the strong connection between WWE and NFL icons.
Brady’s decorated career was also highlighted during the festivities. His achievements include seven Super Bowl titles, five Super Bowl MVP awards, three NFL MVPs, and an impressive fifteen Pro Bowl appearances over his 23 seasons before retiring in 2023. Fans and fellow players alike compared his influence in football to legends like John Cena in WWE.
Significance of the Viral WWE Moment
The unexpected crossover at Fanatics Fan Fest showcased the cultural reach of figures like Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and Cody Rhodes, bridging the communities of NFL and WWE fans. As WWE continues to spotlight these moments on social media, further interactions between athletes and entertainers appear likely. Fans look forward to more such collaborations as Cody Rhodes and other WWE stars continue to draw crowds at upcoming events.
