Former WWE star Damien Sandow, known for his ‘Intellectual Savior of the Masses’ character and as The Miz’s stunt double, recently shared insights into his friendship with Cody Rhodes. Both wrestlers faced similar challenges during their WWE careers, which helped forge a strong connection between them.
Shared Struggles and Road Life
Sandow described riding together with Rhodes during their WWE journeys, highlighting moments of mutual frustration but also admiration. He emphasized Rhodes’ dedication and resilience as a true example of talent and perseverance in the business. Sandow recalled,
“Cody is a, you know, he’s a friend of mine, and we rode together, and yeah, like we were both frustrated at points in our career,”
and added a nostalgic note about their time together:
“There was a lot of Whataburger…and we’d listen to a lot of Conway Twitty.”
Friendships Beyond Wrestling
Alongside Rhodes, Sandow mentioned other close WWE colleagues such as Brodus Clay, now known as Titus O’Neil, and Santino Marella, emphasizing the genuine bonds they maintain. He shared,
“Santino, I’m actually up in Canada, helping him out with his school there. You know, I’m ‘Uncle Aaron’ to his kids. Brodus – of course, now Titus – him and I are super tight. We talk all the time.”
The Lasting Impact of WWE Friendships
For Sandow, the relationships built through WWE continue to hold deep meaning despite physical distance and busy schedules. He expressed how these friendships have evolved, focusing on family life rather than just wrestling.
“We’ve always just kind of been in each other’s lives,”
he noted, continuing,
“It’s cool to see [their kids] grow up and just kind of be a part of that. We don’t really talk about wrestling that much when we’re together, ’cause we’re just – we’re that tight, you know?…Their friendships are really something I really do treasure.”
Why These Connections Matter
Sandow’s reflections highlight the importance of camaraderie behind the scenes in WWE, especially for those navigating the difficulties of the wrestling world. His close ties with Cody Rhodes and others not only provided support during challenging moments but have grown into lasting friendships that extend beyond the ring. As WWE stars continue to build careers and lives beyond wrestling, these connections serve as a foundation for personal growth and mutual encouragement.
