At WrestleMania 29, Cody Rhodes was slated to participate in an eight-person tag team match featuring Damian Sandow and The Bella Twins opposite Brodus Clay, Matt Bloom, Naomi, and Cameron of The Funkadactyls. However, the match was abruptly cancelled when the preceding bout between CM Punk and The Undertaker extended well beyond its scheduled duration. This unexpected change left Rhodes without a chance to perform during the event, fueling his frustration and anger about WWE‘s management decisions.
Cody Rhodes Reacts to Sudden Cancellation with Intense Frustration
The American Nightmare revealed that the cancellation brought out one of his strongest emotional responses, leading him to almost confront WWE over the decision. Speaking on the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Rhodes detailed his reaction backstage in Gorilla position, criticizing the short time allotted for the match.
“My reaction was one of the worst reactions, I think. I wanted to fight. I was so, because it wasn’t, we were in Gorilla. And I kind of knew, sometimes you’re too smart for your own good. I kind of knew the general outline of the rest of the show. I’m thinking, ‘Really? This is a three-minute match with 90 seconds of walk,” Cody Rhodes said.
He added that the false hope of rescheduling the match for the next night’s RAW only deepened his disappointment, leaving him isolated backstage.
“And there was somebody like, ‘All right, we’ll do it tomorrow on RAW.’ And there’s this false positivity. And I thought, well, obviously I can’t and won’t fight him. I’m just going to go sit under the stage. And that’s where I was just in full gear sitting under that stage.”
The Undertaker Expresses Regret Over Impact on Rhodes’ Match
The Undertaker also shared his feelings regarding the incident on his Six Feet Under with The Undertaker podcast. The Hall of Famer expressed regret over his match with CM Punk running overtime, which directly caused Rhodes’ bout to be dropped from the card. He noted that Rhodes appeared visibly upset backstage at WrestleMania 29, acknowledging the frustration that the situation caused the then-young superstar.
Controversy Over Who Knew About the Match Cancellation
Cody Rhodes suggested that The Bella Twins might have been aware of the match removal beforehand, though Nikki Bella has denied any prior knowledge of the decision. This disagreement points to communication issues behind the scenes during the event, contributing to the tension surrounding the episode.
Cody Rhodes’ Departure from WWE and Subsequent Return
After continuing with WWE for several years following WrestleMania 29, Rhodes eventually parted ways with the company in 2016. Frustrated by the lack of direction under his Stardust persona, he sought new opportunities and played a critical role in helping Tony Khan establish All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. During his tenure at AEW, Rhodes became a key figure until leaving the promotion in 2022.
After becoming a free agent, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon reached out with a fresh contract. Rhodes accepted and marked his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, facing Seth Rollins in his comeback match. Since then, he has risen significantly, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship twice and becoming one of the most prominent babyfaces in the company today.
Significance of Rhodes’ Journey and WrestleMania Experience
Cody Rhodes’ experience at WrestleMania 29 reflects the struggles many mid-card wrestlers face behind the scenes, especially when shows run off schedule. His near confrontation with WWE indicated how deeply invested performers can be in their opportunity to perform and connect with fans. Rhodes’ later success after leaving and returning to WWE underscores his resilience and growth as a top star. With his current status as a leading figure on the roster, his journey serves as a reminder of the challenges wrestlers endure to reach the top.
