Cody Rhodes surprised by Kevin Owens friendship outside the ring has drawn attention from wrestling fans and insiders alike. During a recent podcast appearance, Rhodes revealed his astonishment at Owens’ strong bond with Finn Balor, highlighting unexpected dynamics among WWE superstars.
Unexpected Bonds Emerge Behind the Scenes
Pro wrestling is notorious for on-screen rivalries that often mask genuine camaraderie backstage. While the public sees competitors vie for glory, many form deep and enduring friendships beyond the squared circle, as seen with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Their celebrated matches across NXT and WWE’s main roster are legendary, but few fans realize the extent of their off-screen friendship. The visible closeness between such athletes suggests that intense competition can sometimes bring people together.
Cody Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare, candidly admitted to finding it unusual that Kevin Owens had established such a strong relationship with another superstar outside of Sami Zayn. Specifically, Rhodes noted his surprise that Owens and Finn Balor — two figures with apparently contrasting personalities — had cultivated a meaningful bond away from their WWE personas. This revelation emerged on a recent episode of
“What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes,”
where the conversation turned to personal relationships among leading wrestlers.
Contrasting Personalities, Common Ground
During the podcast discussion, Cody Rhodes praised Finn Balor as an exceptional human being, referencing the positive impact Balor has had on his life. Despite Finn Balor and Kevin Owens appearing very different on the surface, Cody’s remarks underscored the heartfelt support that exists among these high-profile figures. Kevin Owens responded by reflecting on how initial impressions and hearsay did not influence his eventual close friendship with Balor, despite both men taking unique paths and presenting distinct personas in the wrestling industry.
“[Cody]: It’s weird that you’re friends with Finn, in my opinion.[Kevin]: What?[Cody]: No, because he’s an exceptional human being, one of my favorite people, and he’s incredibly honest. He’ll send me some messages that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Things that I’m like, man, I’m so glad another peer said that to me. I needed him to say that to me at that time. I have messages from Fergal that I have saved that almost steel my resolve. But it just seems because you’re very different, but maybe that’s the way.”[Kevin]: Actually, I don’t think we’re that different. But I think on the surface, we look like we’re different. But at the deeper core, we’re actually very similar, and I would say he’s the person in my life, actually, your dad. So I knew your dad for a very short time.I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him long, but I became very close to him very quickly. The next person right after that is Fergal. We became so close so quickly because the first time I met him, I [had] heard about him for years. The Bucks would talk about him, all this stuff. Never met him, even this is the funny part, The Bucks would talk about him so positively, so glowingly that I almost didn’t like him.”[Cody]: Yeah, of course, I know that feeling.[Kevin]: You know what I mean? Then I met him, and I was like, they’re right, this guy rules. So, anyway, he became a very good friend of mine very quickly. So, yeah, he’s. Shoot me in the head. Shoot me in the heart. Whatever you need.”
—Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, wrestlers
Forming Connections Beyond Competition
The conversation highlighted the process of earning trust and respect, even after years of hype from fellow wrestlers like the Young Bucks. Owens admitted that praise from others initially caused skepticism, but meeting Finn Balor in person quickly led to a strong friendship. This insight offers fans a glimpse into the community formed among competitors, which goes beyond scripted rivalries or dramatic tensions performed for audiences.
For Kevin Owens, Balor has stood out as a significant presence since his debut in WWE, second only to the influence of Dusty Rhodes. The rapid bond that developed between Owens and Balor serves as an example of how mutual respect and openness foster lasting personal connections, regardless of initial differences. Cody Rhodes, meanwhile, acknowledged that Finn Balor’s honesty and heartfelt messages have left a lasting impression on him, making the shared friendships all the more meaningful.
Shared Respect Within the Wrestling World
The discussion reflected the broader scene of professional wrestling, where public personas often contrast with private relationships. Finn Balor, previously NXT Champion, and Kevin Owens have earned recognition from their peers not just for in-ring performances, but also for their genuine kindness and support behind the curtain. These positive relationships play an essential role in supporting wrestlers through the unique pressures of their careers, strengthening the fabric of the wrestling community.
It is clear that the world of WWE thrives on more than just the spectacle of rivalry and competition. Moments like this, with Cody Rhodes surprised by Kevin Owens friendship with Finn Balor, illustrate the hidden dynamics that bind superstars together in genuine ways. As fans learn more about these personal ties, it offers new perspectives on the men and women who entertain millions, highlighting the importance of camaraderie both on and off camera.
The evolving friendship between Kevin Owens and Finn Balor, and the recognition from figures like Cody Rhodes, suggests that respect and empathy run deep in the locker room. These connections not only enrich the individuals involved, but also contribute to the ongoing strength and appeal of the wrestling industry.
