Cody Rhodes opened up about the pivotal moment that led to his WWE return at WrestleMania 38, describing the intense pressure and significant risk he faced. The former Undisputed WWE Champion shared details about a private meeting that took place at his home, which ultimately changed his career trajectory and reignited his path within WWE.
Behind the Closed Doors: The Meeting That Changed Everything
On The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, Rhodes revealed that Vince McMahon and longtime WWE executive Bruce Prichard visited him at his house, a surprising reversal of tradition since wrestlers usually travel to meet McMahon. Rhodes emphasized that this meeting was unique and unexpected, especially considering the weight of what was being discussed.
Undertaker reflected on the unusual nature of the meeting:
“I thought I was special, because I got to the house, right? I was like, ‘Oh, they’re gonna be, this is double secret kayfabe,’”
Undertaker said.
“I’m not going to Titan Towers, I’m going to the house.”
For Rhodes, the gathering was an opportunity to demonstrate his personal growth and professional accomplishments since leaving WWE in 2016. He wanted to prove the value he had built outside the company and show McMahon the career he had established.
Rhodes shared his perspective on McMahon’s mindset during the meeting:
“I think Vince was looking at it from the perspective of, ‘I just need someone to wrestle Seth.’ And then the meeting. All I ever thought of the meeting, I was so excited again, somebody who said, never directly, but I was made to feel didn’t value me or didn’t value me enough. Perhaps that’s all I thought about in that meeting.”
The Decision: More Than Just Money
Even with a clear plan in mind, Rhodes acknowledged that negotiating with WWE veterans felt like challenging the “Jedi Masters” of wrestling. He noted that the financial terms were not the ultimate deciding factor; rather, it was the repeated emphasis on the word “opportunity” that convinced him to return.
After the meeting, Rhodes sought advice from Bruce Prichard, who offered an ambiguous yet meaningful response:
“I think you know what you should do,”
which Rhodes described as the kind of non-answer that pushed him to take the leap back into WWE.
Reflecting on the Impact of the Return
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE marked a significant moment in his career, coming with considerable stress and uncertainty. The secret meeting not only highlighted the respect and attention McMahon had for Rhodes but also marked a shift in how Rhodes viewed his own value within the wrestling world. This decision set the stage for new opportunities and storylines in WWE’s ongoing evolution, with fans eagerly anticipating what comes next for Rhodes.
