Cody Rhodes is preparing for a major showdown at SummerSlam, where he will defend the WWE Undisputed Championship in a Street Fight against John Cena. Despite his current success, Rhodes recently opened up about a difficult moment early in his WWE career when a last-minute match cancellation almost drove him to quit, revealing the emotional toll behind the scenes.
Early Career Setback: The Cancelled WrestleMania 29 Match
In 2013, WWE had planned an eight-person mixed tag team match for WrestleMania 29 featuring Cody Rhodes, Aron Stevens (formerly Damien Sandow), and The Bella Twins—Nikki and Brie—against Tyrus, Matt Bloom, Naomi, and Ariane Andrew. The match was unexpectedly cancelled backstage just before it was to take place, leaving everyone involved deeply frustrated.
Rhodes shared that the sudden removal of this significant opportunity was especially painful. Nikki Bella echoed this sentiment during an appearance on the What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast, expressing how crushing it felt to have the match pulled. She described the cut as more humiliating than embarrassing moments from her past and reflected on the uncertainty of whether the match was scrapped for legitimate reasons or simply to create TV drama. Bella emphasized that the disappointment is something only those who have experienced it firsthand could fully grasp.
Emotional Impact on Rhodes and His Disillusionment
Cody Rhodes recounted the anger and frustration he felt following the cancellation, particularly as others around him tried to remain optimistic, hoping the match could be rescheduled for an episode of RAW. His reaction was more severe, marking the first time he mentally distanced himself from WWE. The loss of a pivotal moment in his career left him feeling defeated and seriously reconsidering his future with the company.
“So, my walk of shame is a little different. I knew you guys had been hit hard by it. There was one person, I’m not naming names, who is overly optimistic and like, ‘Alright! Well, we’ll do it at RAW!’ And they were in that place. I was so angry, and at that point, I think that’s the first moment where I was like, ‘I’m out. I am out.’ Out didn’t come till years later, but I thought, no, I’m out.” —Cody Rhodes
This moment of disillusionment highlights how volatile and uncertain a wrestling career can be, with behind-the-scenes decisions affecting performers emotionally and professionally.
Context of Rhodes’ Current Status and Upcoming Event
Fast forward to today, and Cody Rhodes stands as one of WWE’s brightest stars, poised for a high-stakes Street Fight against John Cena at SummerSlam. This match represents not just another title defense but also a significant milestone after enduring early career setbacks like the WrestleMania 29 cancellation. His journey illustrates resilience and the capacity to overcome disappointment to achieve greatness.
Broader Developments in Wrestling
Meanwhile, the wrestling world continues buzzing with news, including Mercedes Mone reflecting on her memorable match with Toni Storm at AEW All In, Seth Rollins potentially facing backstage conflicts with Paul Heyman following a recent RAW segment, and Drew McIntyre’s recent comments on Rhea Ripley’s growing popularity among fans.
Other updates include Santino Marella’s surprising challenge for the WWE Championship after an eleven-year hiatus, a former WWE champion facing a lengthy six to eight-month recovery period after a severe injury on WWE NXT, and Tony Khan sharing insights into AEW’s promotional strategies. Additionally, Jimmy Hart recently addressed rumors concerning Hulk Hogan’s health during a candid discussion.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Cody Rhodes
The revelation about the WWE match cancellation sheds light on the hidden struggles that shaped Cody Rhodes’ wrestling journey. Understanding the emotional weight behind such moments helps fans appreciate the resilience required to succeed in this demanding industry. As Rhodes prepares for SummerSlam, the bout against John Cena stands as both a test and a testament to his growth and determination.
Looking forward, this match could further solidify Rhodes’ status in WWE history while inspiring others who face similar obstacles in professional wrestling. His story also underscores the importance of mental strength and perseverance in the face of professional setbacks.
