Sammy Guevara has revisited his experience as the final opponent for Cody Rhodes in All Elite Wrestling, a moment that marked a turning point in both men’s careers and cemented the significance of Cody Rhodes’ last AEW match and opponent, Sammy Guevara. The match not only concluded a pivotal feud but also left a lasting impact on AEW’s early television history.
Guevara, a 31-year-old former champion, shares a strong legacy with Cody Rhodes, having faced him in the debut match of AEW Dynamite. Their paths crossed again years later in a heated battle for the TNT Championship, culminating in a dramatic Title Unification Ladder Match at Dynamite: Beach Break 2022—Cody Rhodes’ last contest before departing AEW and returning to WWE. The American Nightmare’s brother, Dustin Rhodes, is also closely linked to Guevara, with the two forming a successful tag team.
How Sammy Guevara Became Cody Rhodes’ Historic Rival
During an interview with The Wrestling Classic, Sammy Guevara discussed the lead-up to his memorable first match with Rhodes, an opportunity that set the stage for his rise in the promotion. Guevara’s recollections offer insight into the backstage talks and the respect he felt for Cody Rhodes.
“Yeah, the first match, I remember hearing about it a couple months before. Nick Jackson told me, I thought he was just ribbing me, he said, ‘Yeah, you’re gonna have a match with Cody, I think on the first episode of Dynamite.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, okay.’ As weeks got closer, it’s like, ‘Oh, this is actually happening.’ Maybe Cody just saw, ‘This guy’s got potential or something, and he chose me to be his opponent, but very grateful for that, because that was a big spot to be in.”
—Sammy Guevara, AEW wrestler
Guevara’s position as Cody’s handpicked rival placed him on a big stage, resonating deeply as AEW began its national run under Tony Khan’s leadership.
The Iconic 2022 Ladder Match and Cody’s Impending Exit
Reflecting on their high-stakes ladder match at Beach Break, Guevara provided candid details about the atmosphere around Cody’s possible departure and his own mindset during the contest. The timing coincided with rumors about Rhodes wrestling without a contract and shows the emotional undertones between the athletes as they prepared for what would become a historic bout.
“So, at that time, it was the rumors that Cody was possibly working without a contract or leaving. I think I flew in the day before so we could kinda talk some things over. You could just tell. I didn’t know he was going anywhere, I thought maybe he was just gonna go spend time with his kid or something, ’cause he kept looking at pictures of his baby.. Yeah, I could feel this might be it for him.”
—Sammy Guevara, AEW wrestler
Guevara’s words suggest that there was a sense of finality in the air, even if the outcome was not clear to everyone involved. The contest, which decided the undisputed TNT Champion, ultimately marked Rhodes’ last appearance in AEW before his highly publicized WWE return.
Sammy Guevara’s Recent Tag Team Successes
In the aftermath of his notable rivalry with Cody Rhodes, Guevara has continued to make waves in tag team competition. Alongside Dustin Rhodes—Cody’s brother—the duo known as The Sons of Texas challenged for the AEW World Tag Team Titles at the Double or Nothing event this year, taking on The Hurt Syndicate in a hard-fought effort. Although they did not secure the titles, their partnership flourished.
Beyond AEW, The Sons of Texas currently reign as ROH World Tag Team Champions in Ring of Honor, having held the belts for over 300 days. Guevara’s momentum with Dustin Rhodes has become a highlight of their current run, blending family legacy with championship success.
Guevara Competes at Fyter Fest and Future Prospects
Earlier this month, All Elite Wrestling brought back Fyter Fest as a four-hour television spectacle, featuring high-profile matches and championship action. Sammy Guevara appeared in a four-way bout for the ROH World Television Title during the Collision segment. Alongside opponents AR Fox, Lee Johnson, and reigning champion Nick Wayne, Guevara fought valiantly while Nick Wayne ultimately retained his championship in Denver by defeating AR Fox.
Despite the setback at Fyter Fest, Guevara retains his position as ROH World Tag Team Champion with Dustin Rhodes, keeping their partnership at the forefront of tag team competition. Fans now await Sammy Guevara’s next move in AEW, as his career continues to evolve following his impactful rivalry with Cody Rhodes.
The legacy of Cody Rhodes’ last AEW match and opponent Sammy Guevara stands as a defining chapter in both men’s journeys, symbolizing transformation, gratitude, and a continued pursuit of wrestling greatness.
