When an unforgiving snowstorm disrupted WWE’s touring schedule in April 2023, Cody Rhodes took decisive action to ensure the company’s live event could go on as planned in El Paso, Texas. This story of resilience—and last-minute heroics—highlights how Cody Rhodes steps up to save WWE live event during snowstorm chaos, revealing unforeseen challenges and candid moments that surprised both fans and talent behind the scenes.
WWE’s operations depend on a vast network of management, athletic talent, and producers working relentlessly to keep the wrestling empire on track. During the winter-to-spring transition of 2023, several unexpected snowstorms affected WWE’s teams as well as millions of Americans across the Plains and Southwest. Fresh off a live SmackDown event in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 14, the crew faced a daunting schedule: a Saturday show in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, followed by a crucial live event in El Paso, Texas, on Sunday.
How Travel Disruptions Threatened WWE’s Live Event
The extreme weather challenged WWE’s plans, forcing the blue brand to adapt quickly while en route from Nebraska. As roads and air travel faced delays and cancellations, it became apparent that the scheduled flights from Omaha to El Paso wouldn’t depart. Cody Rhodes and Damian Priest discussed these events on Rhodes’ podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?
Rhodes described the mounting anxiety as commercial options disappeared. Wanting to avoid letting down fans in El Paso—and with the event’s success on the line—he decided to book a private jet to transport the WWE talent and ensure the show could go forward.
“I have always wanted to ask you this: are you afraid of flying? [Priest laughs] Because we had a situation, and I hope you don’t mind, we had a situation where we needed to get to, or out of, Omaha, and I thought I’d be a big baller and save the day. There was no commercial flights, they were clearly going to delay or cancel, so I got the crew a jet. We were heading to El Paso, actually, that was the trouble. We needed to get to El Paso from Nebraska in the middle of a snowstorm, and the only way we could do it is flying private. Ultimately, WWE, thank gosh, stepped in, they covered it for me,”
Cody Rhodes said. —Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
The quick thinking from Rhodes put the team back on track, but it wasn’t without personal risk and expense until WWE ultimately reimbursed the cost of the flight. This action earned visible respect from his colleagues, especially Damian Priest, who called attention to Rhodes’ character and leadership.
“But the fact that you were willing to do it was pretty cool, and I think people should know that that’s who you are. You’re that guy,”
Damian Priest said. —Damian Priest, WWE Superstar
Unforeseen Obstacles: Missing Producers and Commission Rules
Once in El Paso, another complication became clear—none of the WWE producers had flown in on the private jet. This unplanned omission forced the wrestlers themselves, including Rhodes and his colleague Seth Rollins, to take on new responsibilities behind the scenes for the night’s show. El Paso stands apart for maintaining an active Sports Commission, which means extra compliance and administrative duties for any live event, wrestling included.
Rhodes detailed just how unusual this was during the podcast, explaining how both he and Rollins scrambled to meet regulatory requirements and guide the rest of the roster through the bureaucratic process.
“We had a show to do, and remember… no producers. Me and Seth [Priest: what a crazy day!] were producers and it was a show that had a Commission… where we actually had to do work. It wasn’t like, ‘Hey, you’re good, we know your match,’ or, ‘Hey, 23 minutes!’ None of that, that was all pretty much taken care of [Priest: this is WWE! that’s how crazy the circumstances were] but we had to tell people, ‘Please go see the Commission for your heart.’ [both laugh],”
Cody Rhodes said. —Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
The dual roles required of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins—competing as athletes while orchestrating the event backstage—put added pressure on the main roster. Rollins, in particular, earned praise from fellow Superstars for navigating the administrative landscape and handling a role typically left to experienced producers.
The Talent’s Response and On-the-Fly Teamwork
The sight of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins equipped with clipboards, overseeing matches and ensuring compliance, sparked initial confusion among their peers. However, the circumstances led to a night where the rest of the WWE roster rallied behind their makeshift leaders, handling the commission checks and match logistics on their own. Rhodes openly admitted that, amid the chaos, his focus was on simply ensuring that talent could perform—and he overlooked the need to bring along essential production staff.
During the show, banter about Priest’s fear of flying lightened the mood, but left no doubt about the respect among the Superstars for those who stepped up in a high-pressure situation. Praise for Rollins’ ability to adapt highlighted his potential for a strong future role behind the scenes within WWE after his own in-ring career concludes. The ordeal closed on a note of camaraderie and humor, reflecting the unpredictable, high-stakes world of professional wrestling.
Why This Unfolding Drama Matters for WWE and Its Fans
This behind-the-scenes glimpse into WWE’s handling of crisis shows the immense pressure and flexibility required by Superstars like Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest, and Seth Rollins, particularly when external forces such as weather threaten to derail shows. Their determination to keep the event on track, willingness to assume new roles, and respect for both regulatory bodies like the El Paso Sports Commission and their fellow talent underscores why the world of wrestling captivates millions. As WWE continues its non-stop touring schedule across regions like Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas, fans can expect the unexpected—not only in the ring, but backstage, where heroes are made in the most turbulent of moments.
