Cody Rhodes revealed that advice from WWE legend Rey Mysterio profoundly changed his wrestling career during his early days with the company. The current WWE Champion credited this moment as a turning point after struggling with dissatisfaction over his creative direction, a situation that led him to leave WWE in 2016.
Recently, Rhodes shared details of this pivotal encounter on the
“What Do You Wanna Talk About?”
podcast hosted by country artist Jelly Roll. He described how Rey Mysterio’s encouragement gave him clarity and motivation that reshaped his professional path heading into a landmark WrestleMania event.
How a Conversation with Rey Mysterio Transformed Cody Rhodes’ Career
Cody Rhodes recalled a significant moment at the BOK Center in Oklahoma when Rey Mysterio intercepted him near the chairman’s office. Mysterio invited Rhodes to discuss wrestling each other at WrestleMania, prompting an important meeting that changed Rhodes’ outlook. Although Rhodes had prepared ideas for his in-ring persona and matches, the discussion altered how he viewed his future opportunities.
“There was a moment at the BOK Center, I’m in Oklahoma, and I was walking by the chairman’s office, and Rey Mysterio pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, I want to wrestle you at WrestleMania. We’re gonna go in [sic] the office and talk about it.’ And I was ready, and I had my idea, and it was even written down in my backpack. But when I went in that room, when I came out, my career was different. It genuinely was a break beyond it wasn’t just an opportunity, it was a break, it was something special,” Rhodes said. [2:35 – 3:04]
The WWE Champion explained that this conversation became a defining moment that he still values deeply, expressing gratitude for Mysterio’s role in changing his trajectory.
“I forever, even though I don’t share it with him enough. I forever think of Rey as if there’s nothing, I have nothing, if this moment never happens.” [3:05 – 3:16]
The Legacy of Their Rivalry and WrestleMania 27 Match
Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio were involved in a notable feud in 2011 when Rhodes was performing as the Dashing Cody. During one of their encounters, Rhodes sustained a genuine nose injury caused by Mysterio’s 619 move, which forced him to wear a protective mask. This incident allowed Rhodes to evolve his character into a darker, more intense figure, blaming Mysterio for the injury and escalating their storyline.
This rivalry culminated in a singles match at WrestleMania 27, where Rhodes secured the victory by using his protective mask as a weapon followed by his signature Cross Rhodes finisher against the Hall of Famer.
The bout and ensuing storyline stood out as a key chapter in Rhodes’ career, further highlighting the significance of his earlier conversation with Mysterio that helped set the stage for such milestones.
The Long-Term Impact of Rey Mysterio’s Support on Cody Rhodes
This breakthrough moment helped Cody Rhodes pivot from frustration to renewed ambition, influencing his journey back to WWE and eventual rise to become WWE Champion. The encouragement from Rey Mysterio not only sparked a critical match opportunity but also instilled confidence that shaped Rhodes’ mindset throughout his career.
As Rhodes continues to succeed at the highest level, the conversation at the BOK Center remains a reminder of how mentorship and timely advice can alter the course of professional wrestling careers, underscoring the importance of support within the wrestling community.
