Cody Rhodes’ latest endorsement with Minute Maid Juice has ignited fierce backlash from fellow WWE superstar Xavier Woods, bringing the ongoing Cody Rhodes Minute Maid brand endorsement controversy into the spotlight. The dispute emerged after Rhodes appeared on the packaging of Minute Maid Fruit Punch, provoking Woods’ anger and raising new tensions among current WWE champions.
Xavier Woods Reacts Strongly to Cody Rhodes’ Minute Maid Endorsement
Xavier Woods, who currently holds the WWE World Tag Team Championship as a member of The New Day, made his discontent public through a video rant posted on X. During his visit to the grocery store, Woods discovered Minute Maid Fruit Punch cartons featuring Cody Rhodes, intensifying his frustration at seeing Rhodes—WWE’s high-profile figure—on a product distributed by The Coca-Cola Company. Woods was especially agitated by the prominent display of Rhodes’ American Nightmare tattoo on the carton, signaling a distinct displeasure regarding this brand partnership.
Okay, this is ridiculous to me. I walking through the grocery store and trying to provide for my family and I’m walkin through this aisle, I see the most atrocious thing that I think could have possibly seen … What is this? What is this? [saying while showing Cody Rhodes on a Minute Maid Fruit Punch]
Woods did not stop at the video. He took to social media to escalate his criticism, referencing Rhodes’ existing commitment as a brand ambassador for American Wheatley vodka. Woods mockingly questioned whether Rhodes should be aligning himself with a juice brand, humorously asserting that, as current champions, The New Day would have been a more appropriate choice for the Minute Maid partnership. Woods’ sarcastic remarks pointed out the irony of a non-champion featuring on a mainstream product while the reigning champions were overlooked.
Isnt he contractually obligated to only drink vodka?? Wowwwww, should have put New Day on these. At least we are champions….
Brand Endorsement Tensions Grow Among WWE Superstars
The visible rift underscores the intense atmosphere surrounding brand endorsements in WWE’s competitive environment. Cody Rhodes, known for rising through setbacks to become the face of WWE, has achieved significant financial success through high-profile sponsorships. Yet, Woods’ confrontation reveals frustration among active champions concerning perceived favoritism—especially when marquee partnerships favor WWE’s most prominent figures over current titleholders.
Despite Woods’ vocal opposition, Rhodes maintains his role as an ambassador for Minute Maid Juice. He shares that status with WWE stars Bianca Belair and his friend, Main Event Jey Uso, suggesting that company endorsements may extend beyond championship status to overall star power and brand visibility. The public reaction to Woods’ outburst has led many fans to question whether WWE or its business partners will acknowledge the champion’s grievances or potentially seek future collaborations with The New Day.
Recent WWE Event: Rhodes in the Spotlight at Major Live Show
The endorsement controversy unfolded concurrently with Rhodes’ return to prominence inside the ring. At the 2025 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Cody Rhodes teamed up with Jey Uso—another Minute Maid ambassador—for a high-profile tag team match. Their opponents were Logan Paul and John Cena, the latter holding the WWE championship at the time.
The bout captivated the packed audience and was considered a standout moment of the night. However, the event took a dramatic turn when former WWE superstar R-Truth made an unexpected comeback, attacking Cena mid-match. This surprise interference allowed Rhodes to seize the advantage and secure a victory for his team, shifting the narrative of the event and setting the stage for renewed rivalries between R-Truth and John Cena moving forward, while Rhodes’ next steps in WWE remain a topic of speculation.
Impact and What This Means for WWE’s Brand Dynamics
The Cody Rhodes Minute Maid brand endorsement controversy has amplified existing debates about equity and visibility in WWE’s commercial partnerships. While Rhodes continues to benefit from lucrative deals and in-ring success, Xavier Woods’ emotional objections have drawn attention to the preferences that guide corporate alliances in sports entertainment. Whether this controversy will influence future endorsement decisions by WWE or companies like The Coca-Cola Company is uncertain, yet Woods’ public stand has opened the conversation among athletes, sponsors, and fans alike about fair recognition and opportunity within the WWE universe.
