Tag: Cody Rhodes

Fan Footage Captures Kevin Owens Attacking Cody Rhodes By His Bus After WWE Bad Blood,

Kevin Owens was seen attacking Cody Rhodes in the parking lot following WWE Bad Blood. The pair have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for months now, aligned in their battle against both Roman Reigns’ and Solo Sikoa’s versions of The Bloodline, but they also stood against one another at August’s Bash In Berlin event with the WWE Championship on the line, with a belief that Owens might turn on Rhodes it came as a surprise to see them embrace to close that night. 

But it appears that their relationship was finally tested beyond its limits by Rhodes team-up with Reigns at Bad Blood on Saturday, following on from KO giving his friend the cold shoulder on recent weeks of “WWE SmackDown.” Footage captured and shared by fans in Atlanta saw the “Prizefighter” arguing with Rhodes beside his bus, then eventually punching him before delivering stomps and more punches to a grounded Rhodes. Owens also managed to throw a garbage can in Rhodes’ direction before he was run off by security. It’s unknown when and how WWE will air the segment officially, but the angle was presumably being shot for next week’s TV. WWE CCO Paul Levesque sold the encounter during the post-show press conference, intimating that Rhodes was supposed to attend the presser but was unavailable.

https://twitter.com/ARLOC0LE/status/1842746360652550472

Rhodes and Reigns teamed up for the first time ever to take on Sikoa and Jacob Fatu representing The Bloodline, with Reigns securing the win via pinfall following a familial assist. Jimmy Uso made his return for the first time since April, distracting Sikoa for Reigns to score the win. Uso and Reigns embraced following the match, going on to make the save for Rhodes when he was jumped by The Bloodline after the match. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also made a cameo to close the segment, teasing a future feud with Rhodes and/or Reigns down the line. 

UPDATE

Paul “Triple H” Levesque Addresses Brawl Between Cody Rhodes And Kevin Owens After WWE Bad Blood

Levesque, on X, said that he and WWE management are aware of the incident and stated that they will deal with it.

“We are aware of the incident outside of the arena last night between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. The matter will be dealt with internally,” said Levesque.

WWE has yet to acknowledge the incident on its social media or YouTube channel, adding to the intrigue surrounding the clash between the two.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Musician Files Lawsuit Against Cody Rhodes, WWE & Fanatics

Musician Wesley Eisold, vocalist of the band American Nightmare, has filed a lawsuit against Cody Rhodes, WWE, and Fanatics. The lawsuit, filed on September 4, alleges that the defendants have broken terms that Rhodes previously agreed to regarding merchandise that used the “American Nightmare” phrase. Eisold has accused the defendants of breach of contract, inducing breach of contract, and intentional interference with contractual relations.

According to court documents, Eisold filed a trademark for “American Nightmare” in November 2016, relating specifically to music and clothing. Rhodes, whose legal name is Cody Runnels, did not file a trademark on the term until more than two years later. In 2021, Runnels and AEW came to an agreement with Eisold, in which Runnels paid the musician $30,000 and in return was able to continue using “The American Nightmare” moniker under certain conditions.

One of those conditions was that “Cody Rhodes” must be featured on any shirt that uses “American Nightmare,” and the Rhodes name must be 75% larger. The lawsuit alleges that Rhodes’ merchandise with WWE and Fanatics has not adhered to the agreement, with photo evidence showing shirts featuring “The American Nightmare” text and logo without Rhodes’ name. What will likely be determined in court is whether or not that agreement can be enforced after Rhodes left AEW in favor of WWE.

Additional Details On Wesley Eisold’s Trademark Infringement Lawsuit

In the lawsuit’s preliminary statement, Eisold’s lawyers claim that there is “widespread confusion” regarding WWE fans contacting Eisold, asking the musician if he has any association with Rhodes. Additionally, it is alleged that fans of American Nightmare — the band — often find themselves accidentally buying Rhodes’ WWE merchandise.

Despite allegedly being contacted by Eisold’s representatives, WWE and Fanatics are accused of ignoring notices regarding the trademark infringement. Eisold is now asking for a jury trial in the matter, as well as up to $900,000 in damages across all five counts.

There is some level of irony to the lawsuit, as the band American Nightmare was actually forced to change their name in the early 2000s under the threat of a lawsuit from another band with the same name. The hardcore punk band changed their name to Give Up The Ghost and broke up several years later before eventually reuniting under the American Nightmare name. The band continues to play on a part-time basis while Eisold dedicates much of his time to the synth wave project Cold Cave.

Eisold has evidently been contacted online by a number of WWE fans since the news about the lawsuit became public. The vocalist addressed wrestling fans in a post on social media platform X last night, defending his decision to file the lawsuit.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Champ Cody Rhodes Receives Father Dusty’s Robe In Emotional Moment At Tokyo Event

WWE are currently in Japan treating their fans to two nights of live wrestling at the legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo for the company’s first tour of the country in five years. The live events have already presented a whole host of memorable moments, including Meiko Satomura announcing her intentions to beat Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship after news of her pending retirement hit the headlines, and one wholesome moment saw Cody Rhodes presented with a very special gift. After successfully defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles in the main event of the first night of action, Rhodes was presented with a special robe and hat worn by his father, the late Dusty Rhodes.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1816913760277434383

Rhodes would put on the jacket and hat before strutting around the ring in the same way his father did in his prime. He would then do the traditional bow as a sign of respect to the Japanese culture and bid farewell to the Tokyo crowd, thanking them for being so welcoming.

Despite being widely known as “The American Dream” during his career, Dusty was highly respected in Japan as he performed in the country a number of times, with the first notable tour he went on taking place in 1975 with AJPW when the company was affiliated with the NWA. Rhodes would later go on to tour with NJPW during the 1980s, even competing in the MSG Series tournament, the competition that acted as the spiritual predecessor to the G1 Climax. “The American Dream’s” final appearances in Japan took place in 2004, when he was part of a ZERO-ONE event, as well the first three HUSTLE pay-per-views, where he also got to team with his friend Steve Corino, and son Dustin Rhodes, who went by the name Dusty Rhodes Jr. in HUSTLE.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Rock Promises To Come Back To WWE For Cody Rhodes: ‘Our Story Has Just Begun’

New Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes may have finished his story with Roman Reigns, but Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson confirmed their story is just beginning after he pinned Rhodes in the main event of Night 1. On the “WWE Raw” after WrestleMania 40, a traditionally rowdy show when it comes to the crowd, The Rock interrupted the new champion to not only give him his flowers, but give him a mysterious object, saying Rhodes wouldn’t even have to open his hand to know what it was.

Rhodes was introduced by Paul “Triple H” Levesque to open the show, and a video package recapping his victory was played. Rhodes began to address the crowd before The Rock’s music hit. The men waited in the ring as the crowd chanted various things at “The Great One.” The Rock told Rhodes that his father in heaven had a “big smile” on his face when Rhodes captured the championship, and asked if he could hold the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The men traded belts for a moment, as Rock was still carrying the belt given to him by Muhammad Ali’s widow at the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

The Rock then said he “has to go away for a little while,” but when he comes back, whether Rhodes is champion or not, he’s coming for him. He said Rhodes’ story with Reigns may be over, but “our story has just begun.” Rhodes replied that while The Rock is his actual boss since he’s on the TKO board, Rhodes is the champion — and he’s The Rock’s champion. That’s when The Rock gave Rhodes something small that fit in his hand before “riding off into the sunset.” As of this writing it’s unclear when he plans to return.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Star Cody Rhodes Says His Tour Bus Caught Fire

In two days, Cody Rhodes will once again challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the main event of WrestleMania. Before he steps onto WWE’s grandest stage, though, Rhodes has revealed some rather scary news.

As announced on X (formerly Twitter), Rhodes’ tour bus, which is currently sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka, unexpectedly caught on fire Thursday evening. Luckily, with the help of the Philadelphia Fire Department, all occupants were safely evacuated. Rhodes was even able to snag two undisclosed items out of his bus as well. 

“Before you hear it elsewhere – my tour bus caught fire last night,” Rhodes wrote. “Everybody is safe and okay. The 2 items I grabbed before I got off will probably pop wrestling fans. Again, thank you @PhillyFireDept.”

https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes/status/1776286637766398218

With his tour bus fire successfully extinguished, Rhodes will now pivot his focus back to the uphill battle that awaits him. 24 hours before facing Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Rhodes will team up with Seth Rollins to take on the pair of Reigns and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the main event of night one of WrestleMania 40. Should Rhodes and Rollins secure the win, The Bloodline members will be barred from night two’s title match. However, if Reigns and The Rock emerge victorious, night two’s title match will be contested under Bloodline Rules, where interference from The Bloodline isn’t just encouraged, but guaranteed.

WWE’s WrestleMania 40 premium live event will emanate from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with night one taking place on April 6, and night two on April 7.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Rock Viciously Assaults Cody Rhodes To End WWE RAW

The Rock viciously assaulted Cody Rhodes as this week’s episode of WWE RAW came to a conclusion.

Following the main event of RAW which saw Jey Uso face off against Shinsuke Nakamura, The Rock attacked. The Jey Uso/Nakamura match saw Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa try to get involved. However, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins came down to stop the attack. As Rhodes fought Jimmy to the back, The Rock was there to take over and attacked Cody.

The Rock slammed Cody’s head into a table while trash talking him. He also hit him numerous times with a trash can. The two battled outside in the rain, with The Rock slamming Rhodes’ head into the side of his own private bus.

The Rock continued to call Cody a “boy” and stated that he was the “Final Boss” and that Rhodes shouldn’t have “stuck his nose in his business.” The show went off the air with The Rock smearing the blood of Rhodes on a belt that said “Mama Rhodes.”

Source: eWn

Dustin & Cody Rhodes’ Nephews To Make Their Debuts This Weekend

Dustin and Cody Rhodes’ nephews will make their debut at his Rhodes Wrestling Academy this coming weekend.

Taking to Twitter, Rhodes announced that Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes (The Texas Outlaws), the sons of Cody and Dustin’s sister Kristin Rhodes Ditto, will debut at the academy’s showcase event on Sunday.

Dustin wrote, “The #Rhodes Legacy is strong and growing. Introducing my nephews Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes, #TheTexasOutlaws who will make their debut at #RWA’s showcase this Sunday March 24th at 7/6 central on #RWA’s @youtube channel in the main event 2out of 3 falls 30 minute time limit for the new #RWATagTeamChampionship

Please tune in Sunday. #prowrestling #YouTube

RT please!”

https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1769811345732481251

Reported Date For The Rock & Roman Reigns Vs. Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes In WWE

To say that the road to WWE WrestleMania 40 has been eventful would be an understatement, as the proposed main event between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has been confirmed, dropped, and re-assigned within a few weeks. Not only that, but The Rock has gotten involved and joined The Bloodline, while Seth Rollins has put his differences with the “American Nightmare” aside to fight the good fight for WWE. This story took another turn at Elimination Chamber in Perth when Rhodes challenged The Rock to a match, prompting Rollins to offer his support in the battle against the Bloodline. 

The idea of the Bloodline against Rhodes and Rollins is enough to get even the most casual WWE fired up, and it might be on the cards. According to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of “Wrestling Observer Radio,” he’s heard that the match could headline night one of WrestleMania 40. While this is all speculation at this time, it would mean that both Rollins and Reigns would pull double duty over WrestleMania weekend, as they would both have to defend their respective championships on night two.

While Reigns vs. Rhodes has been officially confirmed for some time, Rollins is scheduled to defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 40. This follows McIntyre’s victory in the men’s Elimination Chamber match this past Saturday in Perth. The Rock and Reigns have yet to answer the callout made by the “American Nightmare” at Elimination Chamber, a topic of discussion that might crop up this Friday when the Bloodline makes an appearance on the March 1 edition of “SmackDown.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Why Cody Rhodes Initially Stepped Aside For The Rock At WWE WrestleMania 40 (Report)

Since the start of 2024, a slew of unexpected factors have seemingly resulted in some major shifts in the plan for WWE WrestleMania XL. Many fans have been captivated, for good or for ill, by the saga of Cody Rhodes in the lead-up to this year’s big event. In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer offered some additional details on the journey to Rhodes’ main event rematch against Roman Reigns.

According to Meltzer, following the injury to CM Punk, the decision was made internally to have Rhodes shift to facing Seth Rollins. With that in mind, WWE head of creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque came up with the idea for the segment on the February 2 edition of “WWE SmackDown,” with Rhodes stepping aside and offering his support for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to face Reigns instead.

Levesque reportedly believed that Rhodes’ endorsement of The Rock would tie up the storyline’s loose ends, but the fan reaction was overwhelmingly negative. At that point, an audible was called, with Johnson and his longtime writing and producing partner Bryan Gewirtz (a former WWE head writer) feeling that The Rock should turn heel based on the crowd response. That led to the WWE WrestleMania XL Kickoff press conference, pitting Rhodes and Rollins against Johnson and Reigns.

When the plan was for Rhodes to face Rollins, the idea within the company was that there would be no Men’s Elimination Chamber match at the next premium live event. However, as plans continued to shift around, it was decided to go back to that match to set up Rollins’ WrestleMania opponent. As many may have expected, the original plan was for Punk to win the Men’s Elimination Chamber until he suffered an injury at the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody Rhodes Will Face Roman Reigns For Undisputed WWE Universal Title At WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL.

The WrestleMania 40 press conference in Las Vegas was nothing if not explosive. For the entirety of the men’s segments, chants of “we want Cody”, “let’s go Rocky”, and “Rocky sucks” reverberated off of the walls of the T-Mobile arena.

Roman Reigns made the first move by announcing that he wants to face Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Philadelphia. “The Rock” came out immediately after to greet Las Vegas, and was met by a swelling wave of boo’s. Johnson stood silent for several minutes as the audience continuously hijacked the segment with chants, boo’s, and off-handed comments. Once the crowd offered a moment of quiet, Johnson formally welcomed the many media journalists in attendance, and introduced them to the “Cody Crybabies”.

Johnson presented a picture of the extensive Anoa’i family tree, and spoke about how Amituana’i Anoa’i and Fanene Anderson (formerly known as Peter Maivia), Reigns’ and Johnson’s grandfathers respectively, tied together their lineages in a blood oath to become aiga, or “family”. Johnson leveraged the history of the Anoa’i clan and their contributions to professional wrestling in order to validate a match between him and Reigns at WrestleMania 40.

Rhodes made his presence known with little introduction, and confronted Reigns and Johnson directly. He chastised Reigns for seizing the Royal Rumble victor’s power to choose any champion at WrestleMania. Rhodes reclaimed that power, and told Reigns, Johnson, Seth Rollins, and the entire world that he would be meeting Reigns in Philadelphia for WrestleMania 40.

Reigns attempted to invoke Rhodes’ father and his forgotten legacy to demoralize Rhodes. “The American Nightmare” shot back, and invoked both Reigns’ and Johnson’s family-based reasoning. He claimed that the Reigns did not care about family, given his treatment of Jey Uso, and that Reigns was just a “meal ticket”. He also criticized the reasoning behind a match with Reigns and Johnson, claiming that the two men were fighting to be the head of the table, but neither had “cooked”, or performed, in two years. Rhodes finished with scathing vitriol, and told Reigns and Johnson that their grandfathers, should they be alive, would be “ashamed” of where their grandsons were.

Johnson did not take too kindly to Rhodes’ comments, and reminded Rhodes that any attack on Reigns’ lineage was an attack on his (Johnson’s). Johnson physically attacked Rhodes, and it took the efforts of multiple WWE officials to separate all involved parties. The fans chanted and whooped as Rhodes, Johnson, and Rollins hurled expletives at each other, and Rhodes was escorted off the stage.

While “The Rock” has expressed a strong desire to be an active participant in Reigns’ WrestleMania 40 plans, his official place in the match has yet to be determined. As of writing, Rhodes has officially chosen to challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Source: Wrestling Inc.