Roman Reigns shared a heartfelt moment with Cody Rhodes following WWE’s new partnership with ESPN, creating a significant and emotional connection. This Roman Reigns Cody Rhodes moment reflects both wrestlers’ appreciation for the legacy and progress of professional wrestling on a major platform.
Roman Reigns Reflects on Wrestling’s Legacy With Cody Rhodes
During an interview on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, Roman Reigns spoke with Cody Rhodes about the importance of WWE joining a prominent media company like ESPN. Rhodes recalled,
“We don’t talk a lot, but he said something to me that really stuck out to me, and it’s very sincere,”
highlighting the genuine nature of their conversation. Rhodes added,
“WWE and pro wrestling, in general, going to such a big platform like ESPN? It’s really everything that our dads ever worked for. So that’s always kind of there… They did it all, you know? And we get to revel in this wonderful success, so we better bring it.”
Cody Rhodes Honors His Father’s Influence
Cody Rhodes reflected deeply on his relationship with his father, wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes, and the pressure he feels to live up to his father’s remarkable career. Speaking about the hopes he carries, he expressed,
“I like to get them as loud as possible for as long as possible and my hope – my romantic hope of it all – is that no matter what you believe in, he can hear it…”
This reveals how deeply personal his career is, inspired by family pride and legacy.
Overcoming Challenges and Defying Expectations
Starting his career at just 21, Cody faced the challenge of overcoming the “Nepo baby” label, referring to assumptions about children benefiting from family fame. He explained,
“I looked at it a little differently in the sense that I selfishly wanted to be better, because that’s kind of how my dad raised me.”
Cody went further to characterize his father as an unprecedented figure, saying,
“I wanted to be better than he was, and my dad – to me – is a Mount Rushmore guy. My dad is… How could you ever be better? I didn’t think of it so much as a shadow as more than anything like a light; very inspiring.”
Despite this immense inspiration, Rhodes acknowledges the difficult journey he has faced in building his own reputation, sharing,
“It’s a tricky, tricky road! I’ve been – I’m good enough at this point, though. I feel like I’ve worked my way through it!”
The Enduring Significance of Their Moment
This exchange between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes highlights the evolving landscape of professional wrestling and the emotional weight carried by those who represent its legacy. As WWE continues to expand its reach through ESPN, moments like these underline the strong connection between past and present generations of wrestlers. The Roman Reigns Cody Rhodes moment serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication required to honor history while striving for future success in the industry.
