Cody Rhodes has expressed enthusiasm for the recently announced WWE and ESPN streaming deal, which was revealed on August 6. This five-year agreement, starting in 2026, will allow United States viewers to stream WWE’s premium live events exclusively on ESPN, marking a significant moment for wrestling fans and sports entertainment.
The partnership, valued at $325 million annually, signifies a major move by WWE and ESPN to combine their strengths in sports and entertainment. Top executives, including WWE’s Nick Khan and ESPN’s Mark Shapiro, have highlighted the exciting prospects this collaboration brings. WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, also shared his excitement about the future of the alliance on social media.
Bringing @espn and @WWE together is monumental. Two leaders in sports and entertainment delivering for our fans in the U.S.This partnership presents a massive opportunity for the brand, our Superstars, and the industry as a whole. Excited for what’s to come…Get Ready for… https://t.co/C0LvHj3F3o— Triple H (@TripleH) August 6, 2025
Cody Rhodes Highlights the Impact of the WWE-ESPN Streaming Partnership
Cody Rhodes recently participated in a high-stakes match against John Cena at SummerSlam, fighting fiercely for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Street Fight setting. Their intense rivalry featured action both inside and outside the ring, culminating in Rhodes reclaiming the championship with his signature Cross Rhodes move. This victory marked his second reign as the world champion, with storylines around his title expected to unfold on upcoming SmackDown episodes.
Following this major win, Rhodes commented on the significance of WWE’s new broadcasting arrangement with ESPN, calling it “the perfect match” for the industry. He emphasized how key WWE events like the Royal Rumble, Money In The Bank, and WrestleMania will now be accessible on ESPN platforms, praising ESPN as the top authority in sports media.
The fact that we can now have, you know, the Royal Rumble, Money In The Bank you mentioned, and, of course, our biggest event, Wrestlemania, going to be on ESPN platforms… that that’s the perfect match.WWE sports entertainment, and ESPN is the king of sports media, the one. So it’s perfect. [H/T: WrestlingNews.co]
Additional Updates From the Wrestling World
Around the same time, wrestling community figures and wrestlers shared their thoughts on recent developments. Booker T expressed his happiness about Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE, suggesting that the former champion’s presence brings fresh momentum to the promotion. Discussions among WWE insiders connected Lesnar’s comeback with backstage dynamics, including John Cena’s promo targeting The Rock during SmackDown tapings.
In AEW news, a star revealed plans for double knee replacement surgery, highlighting the physical toll wrestling takes on athletes. Meanwhile, The Hurt Syndicate has reportedly been resistant to losing matches, generating backstage friction within AEW. Eddie Kingston has also excited fans by announcing steps toward his AEW return, building anticipation within the community.
Celebrity Rivalries and Drama Continue to Evolve on WWE Programming
On the content front, WWE RAW featured a tense exchange between Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella, where Lynch appeared to face a new challenger in Bella, adding fresh drama to their storyline. Braun Strowman publicly criticized WWE management, particularly responding to Triple H’s handling of events after SummerSlam, with accusations of “nepotism” stirring controversy among fans and insiders alike.
Seth Rollins also made waves by finally revealing his faction’s name during a WWE RAW segment, adding new layers to ongoing storylines and audience engagement. These personal confrontations, faction developments, and behind-the-scenes disputes continue to shape the narratives that keep wrestling fans invested.
What This Means for Fans and the Future of Sports Entertainment
The WWE-ESPN deal represents a pivotal moment for the landscape of sports entertainment by delivering exclusive live events to a leading sports media network, potentially expanding WWE’s reach and influence. For superstar talent like Cody Rhodes and other key figures, this partnership could offer increased exposure and new promotional opportunities. Fans are anticipated to benefit from easier access to major pay-per-view events and enhanced streaming experiences through ESPN’s platform.
As WWE prepares for the 2026 launch of this deal, the industry will be closely watching how the alliance impacts ratings, fan engagement, and the overall growth of wrestling’s popularity within the broader sports entertainment market. Cody Rhodes’ optimistic response underscores the excitement shared by many within wrestling circles about this unprecedented collaboration.
