WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes has unveiled a surprising new look as he pursues the Undisputed Championship, which he recently lost to Drew McIntyre. This change comes amid heightened anticipation for the upcoming Elimination Chamber event, where Rhodes aims to re-establish himself as the top contender.
Last week on SmackDown, Rhodes made significant progress toward earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber match. Alongside his ongoing title chase, he revealed an important update regarding his podcast, signaling a notable collaboration.
Upcoming Podcast Guest Announcement and Symbolic Mask Reveal
Rhodes took to Instagram to announce that his next podcast episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About? will feature legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio as the guest. The post included a photo of the two stars together, with Mysterio wearing his iconic luchador mask, while Rhodes sported the clear “Undashing” mask associated with his earlier WWE persona.
“It’s only fitting we both wore our masks 😉 This week, the legendary @619iamlucha joins me on the newest episode of #WhatDoYouWannaTalkAbout,” he wrote in the caption.
This image marked a striking departure from Rhodes’s recent look and recalled a pivotal period in his wrestling career.
Background on Cody Rhodes’ ‘Undashing’ Gimmick and Injury History
During his previous WWE tenure, Rhodes adopted the ‘Dashing’ character, a gimmick based on his confident charisma and appearance. However, during a match against Rey Mysterio on the January 21, 2011, episode of SmackDown, an accidental injury occurred.
When Mysterio’s signature 619 move connected, his knee brace accidentally struck Rhodes in the face, resulting in a broken nose that required reconstructive facial surgery. This injury ended the ‘Dashing’ persona and led to the introduction of the ‘Undashing’ gimmick, where Rhodes wore a clear mask symbolizing his recovery and deeper mental struggles from the ordeal.
How Rhodes Earned His Spot for the Elimination Chamber Match
On last week’s SmackDown main event, Cody Rhodes faced opponents Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu in a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber. WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre interfered, attacking both Rhodes and Fatu, which initially appeared to give Zayn the advantage.
However, in a twist, Zayn turned on McIntyre, delivering a Helluva Kick that temporarily took the champion out of commission. Rhodes seized this opportunity by executing his finishing move, the Cross Rhodes, on Zayn to secure the victory and qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Significance of Rhodes’ New Look and What to Expect Next
Cody Rhodes’ return to the ‘Undashing’ mask reflects both a nod to his personal history and a renewed resolve entering this critical phase of his career. With the Elimination Chamber approaching, this change signals an evolving mindset as he prepares to reclaim the Undisputed Championship.
The upcoming podcast episode with Rey Mysterio will likely provide further insight into Rhodes’s current outlook and motivations. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how this fresh look translates in the ring and impacts the dynamics of the championship chase.
