At WrestleMania 29 in 2013, Cody Rhodes was scheduled to compete in a highly anticipated eight-person mixed tag team match alongside Damien Sandow and The Bella Twins, facing Brodus Clay, Tensai, and The Funkadactyls. Despite weeks of buildup, the match never took place. Moments before entering the arena, Vince McMahon informed the wrestlers backstage in the Gorilla position that their match was cut due to a time overrun. The Undertaker versus CM Punk match went longer than expected, and a live performance by P. Diddy further extended the event, forcing the removal of Cody’s match.
Emotional Impact on Cody Rhodes and The Undertaker’s Reaction
Cody Rhodes described his reaction on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast as one of the worst moments of his career — he was overwhelmed with frustration and anger, to the point of wanting to fight. Dressed in full wrestling gear, he sat alone beneath the stage, feeling devastated. He made clear he did not blame The Undertaker or CM Punk for the situation, jokingly attributing the delay to P. Diddy, but the disappointment was profound. The Undertaker himself noticed Cody’s distress afterward and admitted on the same podcast that he continued to feel guilty about how things unfolded.
Speculations About the Match’s Cut and Its Effects
Rumors have circulated that the match might have been cut on purpose to film an angle for the reality show Total Divas. Cody asked Nikki Bella if she had any prior knowledge, and she insisted she did not. Nevertheless, Cody suspects the cut was planned to create behind-the-scenes drama for television, noting that no one was informed in advance. The match was rescheduled for the following night on RAW, but it was hastily completed in about two minutes, losing much of its original significance and momentum.
Turning a Setback Into a Career Turning Point
Looking back, Cody acknowledges that although the experience was painful, it served as an important catalyst. The frustration of WrestleMania 29 motivated him to eventually leave WWE, explore other opportunities, and return even stronger to the industry. The sting from that night still lingers, underscoring the deep disappointment he felt. Interestingly, WrestleMania 29 took place at MetLife Stadium — the same venue where Cody would later headline SummerSlam 2025, defeating John Cena to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship for the second time, marking a significant full-circle moment in his career.
The Lasting Significance of WrestleMania 29 for Cody Rhodes
While the abrupt cancellation of his WrestleMania 29 match was a harsh blow, this episode remains a defining moment in Cody Rhodes’ journey. It exemplifies the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling and the personal and professional challenges athletes face behind the scenes. The experience helped shape Cody’s resilience and determination to forge his path, making his eventual success all the more impactful.
