After leaving WWE in 2016, Cody Rhodes put together a list of potential future opponents, a move that sparked widespread interest among wrestling fans as to which showdowns might turn into reality. The story behind Rhodes’ choices, and the involvement of Kevin Owens, offered insight into the selection process and provided context for the Cody Rhodes Kevin Owens match list that remains memorable in wrestling circles.
How Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens Shaped the Notorious Match List
Prior to his 2016 release, Cody Rhodes occupied a spot in WWE’s mid-card, a position that ultimately led to his dissatisfaction and desire for a career shift. Just days after his contract ended on May 22, 2016, Rhodes took to social media and released his anticipated list of desired opponents, which quickly became a talking point for both fans and fellow wrestlers.
Integral to the creation of this list was Rhodes’ close friend Kevin Owens, also known as The Prizefighter. Their collaboration helped determine not only who should be included, but also who might be a questionable addition.
The Disputed Name: Moose’s Inclusion on Rhodes’ Wish List
During a discussion on
“What Do You Want To Talk About? With Cody Rhodes,”
Cody recalled how Kevin Owens played a pivotal role in guiding the makeup of his match list. Among the names debated was Moose, a wrestler about whom Owens expressed hesitancy. Rhodes recounted the candid approach they took as they worked through the selection.
“You helped curate the list. You helped me, and it wasn’t always, ‘hey, put this person on’, it was, ‘I don’t think this one’. I think the one that you were more like, ‘I don’t know man’ was Moose.”
—Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare
Despite Owens’ reservations, Rhodes and Moose eventually crossed paths in Impact Wrestling. In 2017, their professional relationship took a dramatic turn when Cody accused Moose, a prominent champion at the time, of interfering by assisting Brandi Rhodes while Cody was absent. This incident escalated into a rivalry, culminating in Cody attacking Moose and marking a shift in his wrestling persona.
The two later competed for the Impact Grand Championship, where Rhodes came up short and soon after saw his contract with Impact Wrestling conclude.
Other Major Moves and Stories in Current Wrestling
Elsewhere, Rhea Ripley found herself at the center of attention due to a notable moment on WWE RAW, an event that has sparked heated discussion. Meanwhile, another WWE Raw talent faces surgery for a shoulder injury, adding to the ongoing concerns about roster depth and recovery times in the promotion.
Outside WWE, Braun Strowman drew notice for his striking physical transformation following his exit earlier this year. Wrestling icon CM Punk’s creative collaboration with a notable WWE producer has also been the subject of discussion.
On the AEW side, MJF’s storyline dissatisfaction with his current role has been highlighted, even after his recent inclusion in The Hurt Syndicate. Additionally, important four-way matches have been scheduled for AEW Dynamite in Texas, carrying significant implications for upcoming events.
Rumors continue to swirl regarding Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, with speculation about their relationship dynamics. In another development, the reigning ROH Champion is set to make a return to AEW television after a two-month hiatus, indicating ongoing shifts in the wrestling landscape.
What the Match List Saga Means for Wrestling’s Future
Cody Rhodes’ match list, curated in part with Kevin Owens’ input, influenced his trajectory and helped shape speculation about future wrestling matchups. The disputed inclusion of Moose not only produced a storyline for Impact Wrestling, but also illustrated the thoughtfulness with which these matchups are conceived. As wrestlers continue to move between organizations and revisit such lists, the collaborative and sometimes conflicted process behind these choices remains a talking point among fans and industry insiders alike.
