Cody Rhodes faced public embarrassment during the recent Fanatics Fan Fest in New York City, where failed attempts at both baseball and basketball made him the center of attention online. The Cody Rhodes viral sports embarrassment unfolded as the WWE superstar took part in sporting activities, with videos quickly spreading across social media platforms.
WWE Superstar Struggles at Baseball During Fan Fest
During the three-day Fanatics Fan Fest at the Javits Center, Cody Rhodes was a headline attraction for wrestling fans on Sunday. Among various activities, Rhodes tried his luck at the MLB booth, taking to the pitcher’s mound to throw baseballs. Despite his reputation as one of the top WWE Superstars, Rhodes struggled to make an impression with his pitching skills, reinforcing the gap between his wrestling expertise and other athletic pursuits.
Rhodes did not escape the scrutiny of spectators. The fan who posted the video on Instagram heckled him as he pitched, but Rhodes appeared to handle the situation gracefully despite his underwhelming throws. Comparisons were soon drawn to Tiffany Stratton, another WWE star who recently made headlines for her own mishap: missing a ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game just two weeks prior, which some called one of the worst in MLB history.
Cody Rhodes Misses the Mark on the Basketball Court
The Fan Fest offered more than just baseball, as Rhodes later tried out his skills at the NBA booth. This appearance was fitting, given that Game Seven of the NBA Finals took place the same day in Oklahoma City. However, Rhodes’ attempt at basketball was no more impressive than his pitching. Displaying awkward shooting form and minimal leg movement, Rhodes managed to hit the basketball rim while standing on his tiptoes—a small achievement for an event attended by thousands of sports fans.
Some spectators expressed surprise at Rhodes’ lack of agility in these public sports demonstrations, given his athletic background. Rhodes participated in amateur wrestling during high school, showing a different kind of athletic talent, but his performances left some fans disappointed. The comparison to his father, Dusty Rhodes—who was reputed for his basketball skills and had memorable moments on the court in 1988—added further pressure and highlighted the difference in sporting abilities between the two generations.
Fan Reaction and Ongoing Chatter
The incidents quickly became a talking point on social media, with both supportive and critical voices chiming in. While some focused on Rhodes’ positive attitude and willingness to participate, others were pointed in their disappointment, reminding that even the most celebrated professionals can falter outside their primary arena.
Fanatics Fan Fest, with prominent WWE Superstars like Rhodes, continues to be an intersection for different fan bases, allowing supporters to watch their favorite stars tackle unfamiliar sports. The Cody Rhodes viral sports embarrassment not only provided entertaining fodder for viewers but also underscored the unpredictability when professional wrestlers step beyond the ring and onto uncharted fields and courts.
As conversation around his awkward moments endures online, Rhodes’ willingness to face the crowd again may influence how WWE stars interact with other sports events in the future, drawing fans from diverse backgrounds together—even if the results aren’t always flattering.
