Cody Rhodes nearly left professional wrestling behind during his initial WWE tenure, revealing he was close to pursuing a career as a high school amateur wrestling coach. The American Nightmare, now a top star after his return at WrestleMania 38, has become a leading figure in WWE, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL.
During a recent discussion on What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes alongside Nikki Bella, Rhodes shared the struggles he endured earlier in his career. He recounted how his WrestleMania 29 tag team match was abruptly canceled, marking a low point when he seriously contemplated leaving entertainment altogether.
Considering a Career Outside Wrestling During Tough WWE Times
Rhodes disclosed that at one point, he was committed to obtaining a degree that would allow him to coach amateur wrestling in Georgia’s public school system. This plan emerged around the time his WrestleMania 29 match was canceled and when his Stardust character was introduced.
“Around the time we got cut at WrestleMania, and around the time Stardust popped up, I was going to get my degree so that in the public school system in Georgia, I could be an amateur wrestling coach. I had completely given up on entertainment, on ever making it,” he said. [From 48:25-48:42]
Even though Stardust gained some popularity, Rhodes reached a dead end that left him feeling defeated and questioning his identity both professionally and personally.
“I thought I’d done everything right. I was very pity party. Feel sorry for myself, all those things. Couldn’t get a look left or right. And you know, I a series of things happened in my life where now I look back and I’m like, man, what the like? Who were you? You weren’t you. Weren’t you? It’s like a gap of a few years of not being me,” Rhodes added. [48:43-49:03]
Building a New Path Outside WWE and Eventual Comeback
In 2016, Cody Rhodes decided to leave WWE and bet on his own potential, carving out a successful independent career. He earned championships across multiple promotions including Ring of Honor, NWA, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This momentum led him to help launch All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he became the inaugural TNT Champion.
His rising stardom eventually brought him back to WWE, where he has reestablished himself as a central figure and top babyface, culminating in his recent championship victory and major storylines.
Upcoming Clash with John Cena at SummerSlam
Cody Rhodes is set to challenge John Cena for the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam, aiming to regain the title he lost to Cena at WrestleMania 41. Their previous match ended controversially when Cena struck Rhodes with the championship belt, ending his year-long reign.
Rhodes earned this title opportunity by winning the King of the Ring tournament last month. Their rivalry heats up with an official contract signing last week on SmackDown, confirmed after Rhodes incapacitated Cena and revealed their SummerSlam bout will be a Street Fight.
This high-stakes match promises to be a defining moment in both superstars’ careers as they face off once again at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
If quoting this story, please credit What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes and include an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
