Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, recently shared a gripping account of when his tour bus caught fire and exploded, forcing him to escape in a hurry. The incident took place during a WWE tour stop, close to WrestleMania, when Rhodes was resting on his bus outside the stadium to avoid stressing his family, who had come to town for the event. The star explained that the tour bus serves as his private refuge amid hectic schedules and numerous WWE appearances.
During a candid conversation on the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast with Becky Lynch, Rhodes revealed how he first sensed danger when he heard loud bangs that he initially thought were gunshots. This terrifying noise was quickly followed by visible flames spreading along the ceiling of the bus. Rhodes described the fiery pattern as reminiscent of the fire effects on The Mummy ride at Universal Studios, emphasizing how sudden and intense the blaze was.
In the midst of the chaos, Rhodes grabbed a picture of his family and his boots, rushing off the bus as it burned. He recounted feeling as if he “had more time” but understood the urgency to escape immediately. After fleeing his own bus, he sought safety on the bus of fellow WWE superstars Becky Lynch and her husband Seth Rollins, illustrating the close bonds among wrestlers during such distressing moments.
“My bus blew up, and I ran to your [Becky Lynch] bus. So the story goes, the whole reason I’m sleeping on the bus outside of the stadium is because I don’t want to bother my family. My family is all in town for WrestleMania, it’s very stressful and I don’t want to take the stress out on anyone. So if I’m on the bus, I’m private and I can get all my stuff done. Plus, you know at a certain point WWE’s gonna ask you to do 65 appearances that you have no time for but somehow you have time for. I was pretty tired and I am definitely very excited to have gone to sleep for about 30 minutes and then I hear just a loud…I don’t even know how to describe it, two bangs. And I thought they were gunshots. And then I hear Matt saying, ‘We gotta get off this bus.’ And the only way I can describe it, if you have see the ceiling of this bus is if you’ve ever been on The Mummy at Universal Studios. The fire effect. I just see this giant hole and the fire just running up and down this bus. I grabbed my picture of my family, I grab my boots, I run off the bus, and I’m looking at the bus and I’m like I had more time.” (36:11 – 40:30)
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Firefighters’ Response and the Aftermath of the Explosion
Further detailing the incident, Cody Rhodes praised the efficiency and quick response of the Philadelphia Fire Department, who arrived in time to prevent the bus from causing greater harm. Despite his initial fear that the bus might completely explode, firefighters managed to control the fire but also caused extensive damage to the vehicle during their efforts.
“God bless the Philadelphia Fire Department. But also they destroyed the bus because they just got up there and they blasted it. And then they drove off. Like we didn’t even have a conversation.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Rhodes’s remark highlighted how the emergency responders acted decisively, prioritizing safety over property. The destruction of the bus underscored the severity of the blaze and the rarity of such an event happening to a wrestler’s tour vehicle.
On the same podcast, Becky Lynch chimed in, sharing that her bus had also experienced an explosion, revealing that these traumatic moments are more common in the wrestling world than fans might realize. Despite the near disaster, all involved were unharmed, which reassured fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
The Significance of Rhodes’s Story for WWE Fans and Wrestlers
This revelation from Cody Rhodes gives fans a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the risks and challenges wrestlers face off-camera, beyond the athletic performances inside the ring. It also reflects the unpredictable nature of life on the road for WWE superstars, who often must manage their demanding schedules while ensuring personal safety and mental peace.
The incident may prompt discussions on improving safety measures for performers who travel extensively by tour bus during WWE events. Additionally, Rhodes’s quick decision to seek refuge with Becky Lynch emphasizes the strong camaraderie within the WWE locker room, a support system crucial for facing high-pressure situations both professionally and personally.
Looking forward, Cody Rhodes’s experience not only underscores the importance of preparedness in emergencies but also serves as a reminder of the human side of wrestling superstars whose lives extend far beyond their ring personas.
