WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes recently posted unseen footage from this week’s Friday Night SmackDown, capturing his emotional response after winning the Undisputed WWE Championship. Rhodes secured the title in an intense match against Drew McIntyre, held in Portland, Oregon, delivering a compelling display of athleticism and resolve.
During the contest, both wrestlers exchanged momentum in a hard-fought battle. At one point, referee Charles Robinson was accidentally knocked out by Rhodes, disrupting the flow inside the ring. When a substitute official appeared, McIntyre targeted him with a Glasgow Kiss, but unexpected interference by Jacob Fatu halted his assault, allowing Rhodes to capitalize and reclaim the championship.
Details of the Match’s Pivotal Moments
The clash featured a dramatic sequence of events. After Rhodes inadvertently incapacitated the initial referee while attempting a Cody Cutter, McIntyre tried to gain the upper hand by attacking the replacement official. However, the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu, intervened and blocked McIntyre’s use of a steel chair. This distraction was decisive, as Rhodes then successfully executed a Super Cutter followed by his signature Cross Rhodes finisher to win the match and regain the WWE title.
Rhodes’ Reflection and Tribute to Portland Fans
Following the victory, Rhodes shared his heartfelt thanks to the audience in Portland via Instagram, conveying the impact of the moment on his career. His message expressed gratitude for the city’s wrestling heritage and the significance of the night for him personally and professionally.
“Portland! I’ll make this short and sweet. I grew up, and all I knew about Portland and its wrestling scene was Don Owens [and] Rowdy Piper. And I thought all day, ‘Do I have any memories here?’ Tonight, you’ve given me one of the greatest memories of my career. Thank you,” he said.
This genuine acknowledgment highlighted Portland’s meaningful role in his journey, linking past wrestling legends with his own milestone.
Emotional Connection to Family Through Wrestling Achievements
In an emotional moment, Rhodes spoke about his daughters, emphasizing how they inspire his career. His eldest daughter, Liberty, has witnessed him in four WrestleMania main events, and now his youngest daughter, Leilani, will experience her first. This milestone added a deeply personal dimension to his championship victory.
“I have two daughters. One’s four, one’s six months, Liberty and Leilani. People always talk about Dusty, and they don’t realise, you know, not to sound morbid, I’m not doing this for the dead, I’m doing this for the living. And Liberty has gotten, she’s gotten four WrestleMania main events. Now Leilani gets one herself. I will never forget the night I won the WWE Championship in Portland, Oregon,” he added.
Upcoming Main Event Rivalry at WrestleMania 42
Before Rhodes’ championship win, Randy Orton had secured victory in this year’s Men’s Elimination Chamber and was set to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. With Rhodes now holding the title, the main event will feature a highly anticipated showdown between him and his mentor, Randy Orton, a former teammate from the Legacy faction. This matchup promises to be a compelling narrative as The American Nightmare faces The Viper on wrestling’s biggest stage.
