Cody Rhodes has shared a heartfelt message directed at a WWE legend, expressing deep gratitude linked to a pivotal WrestleMania moment. Since returning to WWE in 2022, Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, has embraced a second run with the Stamford-based company, highlighted by his status as a two-time WWE Champion and three consecutive WrestleMania main event appearances.
Rhodes’s earlier WWE tenure included a notable period in 2010 when he parted ways with the Legacy group, which featured Ted DiBiase and Randy Orton. After leaving Legacy, he introduced the Dashing Cody Rhodes persona and made his singles WrestleMania debut.
Rey Mysterio’s Role in Shaping Rhodes’s Career
On a recent episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Rhodes thanked Rey Mysterio for giving him the chance to appear at WrestleMania 27. He explained that Mysterio personally selected him for the match, a decision that profoundly influenced Rhodes’s career trajectory.
“You changed my life. I don’t get anywhere dude. I had nothing coming my way. I lost Teddy and Randy. I wasn’t the one who was supposed to go. It wasn’t a knock on me, I just wasn’t the one who was supposed to go,” Cody Rhodes said. ?Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
Rhodes emphasized that this opportunity elevated him to a higher level in WWE, a breakthrough he believes would not have been possible without Mysterio’s faith in him at WrestleMania.
“I got to experience things at a different level and play ball at a higher level, and I would have never gotten out of the blocks. I would have never had anything… Nothing happens without me walking into that building and you being like, ‘You wanna go in?’ And the rest was history for me. And of course there’s a myriad of highs and lows, but I would have never had a high. So I have to thank you,” Rhodes added. ?Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
The WrestleMania 27 Match and Its Aftermath
During his time portraying the Dashing character, Rhodes suffered an injury in a SmackDown match against Rey Mysterio on January 21, 2011. Mysterio’s 619 move accidentally collided with Rhodes’s knee brace, causing a broken nose that required facial reconstructive surgery. This injury led Rhodes to adopt the Undashing persona, characterized by wearing a clear protective mask.
The rivalry between Rhodes and Mysterio intensified, culminating in their match at WrestleMania 27. Rhodes secured the victory by striking Mysterio with the very knee brace that had caused his injury and finishing the match with his signature Cross Rhodes move.
Legacy of WrestleMania Opportunity
This WrestleMania moment holds considerable significance in Rhodes’s career, marking a turning point that helped propel him toward greater success in WWE. The endorsement by Rey Mysterio not only affected Rhodes’s in-ring journey but also shaped his confidence and opportunities moving forward. As Rhodes continues his current run, the memory of that match and the gratitude he expressed underscores the impact of mentorship and timing in professional wrestling.
