Tag: WrestleMania 38

Cody Rhodes Says He Told Vince McMahon He Never Wants To See Or Hear About Stardust Ever Again

WWE superstar Cody Rhodes joined BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani to talk about his return to the company at WrestleMania 38 to challenge Seth Rollins. It was reported directly after his departure from AEW that The American Nightmare had met with Vince McMahon to strike a deal with the company. Cody spoke with Ariel about his meeting with Vince and the WWE and revealed the one request he did make about returning to the company.

“There wasn’t any true guarantees, there was a request,” Rhodes said. “I said I never want to ever see Stardust ever again and I never want to see, hear it or talk about it and it was a handshake and that was all I needed. Then the first thing I did in the match last night was a random Stardust reference, I thought what’re you doing? You’re going back on your own strange request, other than that it was complex to get this all together and maybe one of wrestling’s biggest contracts, which I’m so flattered about. I have a child so yeah.

“But it was more a matter of, I don’t not trust people right, it’s not that I don’t trust this person’s word or this person’s words, but at this point in my career, I do trust myself, fully, implicitly I trust myself. So I know what I can do and given the platform to do it, I’m able to move on, I’m able to get over, I’m able to get what I want and that was presented to me on a silver platter last night. Nothing changed, nothing, Kingdom played, wrestling is more than one royal family and this is a world where wrestling term isn’t said that often. So to hear that was a big give from them and to be me. There’s nothing silly about the entertainment industry to me because this is my life’s work, sports entertainment, pro wrestling. I think I’m the best there is and how I define it as a wrestler, because there’s all these terms, to me what a pro wrestler is is your ability to capture people’s imagination from week to week.

“Are they talking about it, good, bad or ugly? That’s what I’ve been able to bring to the table everywhere I’ve gone and to be able to carry it without saying a word for 40 something days and them understand when I walked out felt like yup, I am the best. But, Roman and Brock are wrestling for the best, what matters the most and a title that was never on a Rhodes. Not saying anymore than that but my intentions are probably clear as to what I like and it’s another thing if it’s unattained but I don’t want it to go unsaid.”

Ariel Helwani also interviewed MJF recently, where the AEW superstar spoke about his upcoming free agency in 2026 where he’ll ponder between WWE and AEW. As the first big name to leave AEW for WWE, Cody Rhodes spoke about what other talent he sees following in his footsteps and making the same jump. The former TNT Champion spoke about the advice he would give other talent looking to make the same move he did and talked about how easy WWE made it for him to jump ship.

“I know there’s so many things printed about me and such but I would only give somebody honest advice,” Rhodes said. “That might be right for somebody and this was right for me. I think I know who those people will be [who come to WWE from AEW] because there’s certain people who fit that superstar mode. I think I know who those types might be and when they ask I’m just going to give them the best advice I possibly can. I can say that the schedule here, at least the schedule I was on the first time, is not for the non-committed. You can’t be one foot in, it is a full time commitment. You are not getting paid 1 day a week to work, it’s not knocking anybody who is. That might be the biggest shock and change. The structure here is a positive, there’s a wonderful structure, it’s a little less punk rock. Punk rock is great but then you want to play something else and that’s really what I experienced.

“When they start coming and talking, I’m sure people will make the transition, I’m sure you can probably guess some of the people that will come over and undoubtedly, not unlike Daniel Bryan and Adam Cole, people will make that move [to AEW]. It is a healthy thing, it doesn’t seem healthy when you watch the show because all you’re doing is talking trash about each other which I really hope that nobody here does because it’s lazy and you’re discrediting what got me. You’re discrediting me so you’re incorrect in a sense that it doesn’t matter. I’ll always give the best advice because this schedule is not for everybody, WWE and Nick Khan specifically made it so easy. There’s a bus, your family, your wife, your daughter. Just a red carpet and I know with that red carpet comes it’s time to get to work but I’m curious you know, how I’ll do it but I’ll never do it in terms of leveraging. I can only give honest advice because everyone’s path is different.”

Source: Wrestling Inc. – credit BT Sport with Ariel Helwani 

Rick Boogs Reveals WrestleMania Injury Details

Rick Boogs has revealed details on the quad tear and patella tendon tear he suffered during Night One of WrestleMania 38.

As noted, Night One of WrestleMania 38 opened up with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos retaining over Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura. There was a moment early on where Boogs had Jey Uso on his shoulders. He went to put Jimmy Uso on his shoulders for a double Fireman’s Carry, but when Jimmy jumped up onto him, Boogs’ knee gave out and they all went down. Boogs then rolled to the floor and spent the rest of the match being checked on by trainers at ringside. Nakamura finished the match by himself and it seemed like things were cut short or changed due to the injury. After the match, trainers helped Boogs walk away from the ring but they had to carry him to the back by the time they got him up the ramp.

Michael Cole later noted during commentary that Boogs was checked out backstage and it was determined that he suffered a torn quadriceps and a torn patella tendon. It was also revealed that he will need to undergo surgery within the next few days.

In an update, Boogs took to Instagram today and revealed how the doctor told him his quad was too strong for the tendon, and it was flexing so hard that it ripped the tendon completely off the bone. Despite the injury, Boogs is incredibly grateful and says he will be back bigger, better and stronger.

“From the highest of highs to lowest of lows. Having my beautiful wife with me to experience my first Wrestlemania. Getting the incredible opportunity to open the show! Being able to demonstrate brute strength in front of millions of viewers! Unfortunately, the doctor told me my quad was too strong for the tendon and it was flexing so hard, it ripped the tendon totally off the bone. I’m still incredibly grateful for the experience and for all the love and support. History proves I will come back bigger, better, and stronger. IT’S A MINDSET,” he wrote.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, it’s believed that Boogs will be on the shelf for 6-12 months, but we should have a better timeframe after he goes under the knife.

WWE noted in their WrestleMania recap that Boogs was trying to squat both of The Usos when his already-injured knee gave out. Boogs had the same knee taped up at one point during the feud with The Usos in mid-March, but it looks like he only had the knee wrapped for one week, and just to sell an attack.

https://twitter.com/Angelgsauceda/status/1510416838139777025

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE WrestleMania 38 Sunday Night Two Results 4/3/2022

WWE Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development Paul “Triple H” Levesque made a surprise appearance to open Night Two of WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.

After the “America The Beautiful” performance by Jessie James Decker, the familiar music of The Game hit and out came Triple H to a huge ovation. The entrance went a few minutes as Triple H took it all in, and even did his signature entrance pose on the apron. Fans chanted his name and then “thank you Hunter!” as he thanked them with a show of respect.

Triple H then took the mic and said he just wanted to come out and thank everyone, and show them his love in the best way he knows how. He then welcomed everyone to WrestleMania as the pyro and the fireworks went off with the music starting up. The camera came back to the ring as we saw Triple H’s boots sitting in the middle, as a sign of his recent in-ring retirement. Triple H then exited the ring and greeted some of his family members at ringside before heading up the ramp to the back.

TRIPLE THREAT FOR THE RAW TAG TEAM TITLES
Randy Orton and Riddle (c) defeated Alpha Academy and Street Profits

 After the match, Orton and Riddle celebrate as the music hits and fans cheer them on. We go to replays. The Profits come into the ring and meet the champs in the middle, with red Solo cups. They give RK-Bro two drinks for a toast but they stop and invite Gable Steveson into the ring. Gable enters and he also takes a red Solo cup. The Profits, RK-Bro and Gable have a WrestleMania toast but Chad comes in and smacks Steveson’s drink out of his hand. Steveson takes his shirt off as the others empty the ring. Chad tells Steveson to “Shoooosh!” when in his presence, but Steveson launches him with a big belly-to-belly throw. Steveson is fired up now as The Profits and RK-Bro cheer him on from ringside.

Bobby Lashley defeated Omos

ANYTHING GOES MATCH
Johnny Knoxville defeated Sami Zayn

Knoxville had help from some of his fellow Jackass cast members.

FATAL 4 WAY FOR THE WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM TITLES
Naomi & Sasha Banks defeated Carmella & Queen Zelina Vega (c) and Shayna Baszler & Natalya and Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley (**TITLE CHANGE**)

Edge defeated AJ Styles

AJ goes back to the apron for the Phenomenal Forearm but Damian Priest appears at ringside. AJ is briefly distracted but he still springboards in for the Styles Clash, but Edge knocks him out of the air with a big Spear. Edge covers for the pin to win.

After the match, the music hits as Edge recovers, looking over at Priest but confused. Priest enters the ring as we go to replays. Priest enters the ring and drops to one knee. Edge faces him, also on one knee. They both let out a sinister laugh, then stand tall together and raise their arms in the middle of the ring. We go to another replay and come back to Edge and Priest leaving together.

Ridge Holland & Sheamus defeated Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Pat McAfee defeated Austin Theory

Mr. McMahon defeated Pat McAfee

After the match, Vince stands tall as “No Chance” starts back up. Theory kicks McAfee out of the ring. Vince stands tall as the music stops and Cole checks on McAfee. Theory hits the corners to pose as Vince looks on, motioning for him to keep posing in the other corners. Theory opens his arms for a hug from Vince now. Vince opens his arms and they embrace in the middle of the ring. Vince raises Theory’s arm in victory as Theory’s music starts back up. Vince looked a little surprised by Theory’s music. They continue celebrating until the glass breaks and AT&T Stadium explodes. WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin marches to the ring as Austin and Theory look on, terrified. Austin enters and has a few words with Vince. It looks like Vince is trying to sell Theory to Austin. Theory attacks but Austin unloads on him with punches, then a Stone Cold Stunner, sending Theory out to the floor. Vince and Austin are in the middle of the ring now as fans go wild. Vince looks to start pleading with his former rival. Austin talks Vince into having a beer with him. Austin catches two beers and hands one to Vince. Vince is cautious as he takes a small sip but he seems to enjoy the beer. They then have a toast and start chugging as fans cheer them on. Austin kicks Vince for the Stone Cold Stunner but Vince stumbles a few steps back against the ropes. Austin grabs him and finishes the Stunner(Vince botched the Stunner big time). Austin’s music starts back up as he continues a beer bash in the corner. McAfee cheers Austin on from ringside. Vince is still flat on his back as Austin comes over and stomps a few times, kicking him out of the ring. Austin invites McAfee into the ring and the crowd pops again. Austin gives two beers to McAfee and they begin another beer bash as the glass breaks again. The beers keep coming as McAfee and Stone Cold continue. Austin suddenly drops McAfee with a Stone Cold Stunner out of nowhere. Austin tosses the football and catches a few more beers as the celebration continues. We see McAfee flat on his back, but still chugging beer. Austin exits the ring, comes back in for one more wave to the crowd, and then marches up the ramp. Austin turns and waves to the crowd one last time to end the segment.

WINNER TAKES ALL TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated WWE Champion Brock Lesnar (**TITLE CHANGE**)

Credit to Wrestling Inc. for the transcript.

Rick Boogs Injury Updates From WrestleMania 38 Night One

Rick Boogs is set to undergo surgery next week after suffering an injury at WrestleMania Saturday.

Night One of WrestleMania 38 opened up with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos retaining over Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura. There was a moment early on where Boogs had Jey Uso on his shoulders. He went to put Jimmy Uso on his shoulders for a double Fireman’s Carry, but when Jimmy jumped up onto him, Boogs’ knee gave out and they all went down.

Boogs then rolled to the floor and spent the rest of the match being checked on by trainers at ringside. Nakamura finished the match by himself and it seemed like things were cut short or changed due to the injury. After the match, trainers helped Boogs walk away from the ring but they had to carry him to the back by the time they got him up the ramp.

In an update, Michael Cole noted during commentary that Boogs was checked out backstage and it was determined that he suffered a torn quadriceps and a torn patella tendon.

Cole also reported that Boogs will need to undergo surgery in the next few days. Depending on the severity of the injuries, it’s likely that Boogs will be on the shelf for 6-12 months, but we should have a better timeframe after he goes under the knife.

WWE noted in their WrestleMania recap that Boogs was trying to squat both of The Usos when his already-injured knee gave out. Boogs had the same knee taped up at one point during the feud with The Usos in mid-March, but it looks like he only had the knee wrapped for one week, and just to sell an attack. It’s been confirmed that Boogs suffered a legitimate injury at WrestleMania last night.

https://twitter.com/Angelgsauceda/status/1510416838139777025

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody Rhodes Returns To WWE At WrestleMania 38, Details on His Contract

After weeks of rumors and speculation, Cody Rhodes has made his return to WWE.

Last night’s WrestleMania 38 Night One event saw Rhodes make his return as the opponent for Seth Rollins, hand-picked by WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon as the storyline goes. Rhodes defeated Rollins in tonight’s return match.

Rhodes had a special entrance as he was raised from under the stage. He was introduced as “The American Nightmare” and received pyro and a huge pop on his way to the ring. The back & forth match ended with two straight CrossRhodes, the signature right hands and Bionic Elbow of the late WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, and then one more CrossRhodes for the pin to win. The announcers did acknowledge how Cody has been away from WWE, and how he’s wrestled around the world, but there was no mention of AEW.

This was Cody’s first WWE match since May 16, 2016, when he lost to Zack Ryder at a WWE Superstars taping, while working as Stardust. Rhodes helped launch AEW, as a talent and Executive Vice President, but left the company back in February after his contract expired and he was unable to agree on a new deal with AEW President Tony Khan.

Rhodes is reportedly scheduled to be a regular member of the RAW roster moving forward. It’s been reported that he signed his new WWE contract around three weeks ago.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1510437849321062406

Rhodes’ team issued a press release after his WrestleMania return and confirmed that he is signed to a new multi-year deal with WWE. Cody’s team consists of the Hyperion Talent Agency, the Spanos Law firm, and the Vision PR firm.

The press release also revealed that Rhodes is serving as the Executive Producer to A&E’s “Biography: WWE Legends” documentary on his father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. The doc was mentioned in the earlier Variety interview, but the release from Rhodes’ team has confirmed that he will be the Executive Producer.

The release also included the following blurb on Rhodes’ return and career. It’s interesting to note that there is no direct mention of AEW, but they do acknowledge that he is a three-time TNT Champion. The return press release was not issued by WWE, but it’s possible they had a chance to approve it before it went out. Rhodes’ team issued the following:

The most sought-after free agent in professional wrestling, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, has landed back at WWE, the company where he began his career. Saturday night, in front of a massive crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Rhodes returned in a main event match with multi-time former WWE Champion Seth Rollins. Rhodes has inked a multi-year deal with the company.

Rhodes began his wrestling career with WWE developmental territory OVW and went on to compete with WWE for a decade before his departure in 2016. Over the past six years, Rhodes has wrestled all over the world including in Japan, England, Mexico, and Canada. In 2018, Rhodes was named Wrestler of the Year by Sports Illustrated. During his first run with WWE, Rhodes became a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and won six tag team championships (three World Tag Team Championships and three WWE Tag Team Championships). During his time away from WWE, Rhodes won many top championships including the Ring of Honor World Champion, IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion, and most recently the TNT Championship on three separate occasions. His father, the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, is a WWE Hall of Famer and both Cody and Dusty won NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship titles making them the first father/son combination to win the title.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE WrestleMania 38 Saturday Results 4/2/2022

SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH
The Usos (c) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs

Rick Boogs was injured

Drew McIntyre defeated Happy Corbin

The Miz & Logan Paul defeated Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio

After the match: with hands raised, The Miz turned one Logan Paul, hitting him a Skull Crushing Finale

Stephanie McMahon introduced Gable Steveson

RAW WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH
Bianca Belair defeated Becky Lynch (c) (**TITLE CHANGE**)

Cody Rhodes defeated Seth Rollins

WWE Hall of Fame class of 2022 was introduced – The Steiner Brothers, Queen Sharmell, Shad Gaspard’s family, Vader’s Family and The Undertaker

SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH
Charlotte Flair (c) defeated Ronda Rousey

KO Show – Kevin Owens challenged Stone Cold Steve Austin to a No Holds Barred Match.

“NO HOLDS BARRED” MATCH
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin defeated Kevin Owens

WWE WrestleMania 38 Night One and Two 4/2/2022 – 4/3/2022

DATE: April 2 & 3, 2022 8:00 pm
LOCATION: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
AVAILABLE ON:Peacock (U.S.), WWE Network (International)

NIGHT ONE

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: DJ Valentino Khan spins as fans enter AT&T Stadium

“AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL” PERFORMANCE: Brantley Gilbert

SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH
Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (c)

RAW WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH
Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch (c)

SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs vs. The Usos (c)

Logan Paul and The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio

Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Baron Corbin

Seth Rollins vs. Mystery Opponent (Rumored To Be Cody Rhodes)
Hand-picked by WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon and revealed right before the match.

Kevin Owens hosts The KO Show with special guest WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin

NIGHT TWO

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: DJ Valentino Khan spins as fans enter AT&T Stadium

“AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL” PERFORMANCE: Jessie James Decker

WINNER TAKES ALL TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns

TRIPLE THREAT FOR THE RAW TAG TEAM TITLES
The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy vs. Randy Orton and Riddle (c)

FATAL 4 WAY FOR THE WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM TITLES
Shayna Baszler and Natalya vs. Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley vs. Naomi and Sasha Banks vs. Carmella and Queen Zelina Vega (c)

ANYTHING GOES MATCH
Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn

Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory

WWE Hall of Famer Edge vs. AJ Styles

Omos vs. Bobby Lashley

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland

WrestleMania 38 Set Reveal With Dude Perfect, Pat McAfee And Michael Cole

Pat McAfee, Michael Cole and the guys from sports-comedy group Dude Perfect (Tyler Toney, Coby Cotton, Cory Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones) have revealed the set for WWE’s WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.

As seen in the video below, Dude Perfect’s football trick shot ignited the pyro on The Grandest Stage of Them All to reveal the setup inside AT&T Stadium.

McAfee, a former NFL punter who will wrestle Austin Theory on WrestleMania Sunday, was later assisted by some editing as he kicked a trick shot while more fireworks went off outside of the stadium.

WrestleMania 38 will take place this Saturday and Sunday, live from AT&T Stadium. The two-hour Kickoff pre-shows will begin at 6pm ET, and the main card will begin at 8pm.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody Rhodes May Back Out Of WrestleMania 38 Plans [Report]

Many fans expect Cody Rhodes to return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 this weekend. But a new report suggests that it’s not a done deal.

Many wrestling fans are anticipating Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE during WrestleMania 38 this weekend.

As previously noted, Rhodes reportedly signed a contract with WWE following his departure from AEW. On this week’s episode of WWE Raw, chairman Vince McMahon promised Seth Rollins a match at WrestleMania 38. However, The Architect won’t know who his opponent is until the day of the show.

So it’s easy to speculate that The American Nightmare will show up and reveal himself as Rollins’ WrestleMania opponent. But according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there’s a chance that the second-generation wrestler doesn’t actually compete at “The Show of Shows” this weekend.

During a conversation with Dennis Salcedo on her YouTube channel (h/t WrestlingNews.co), Meltzer revealed that there are people close to Cody who believe that he could end up backing out of WrestleMania 38.

“Depending on who it is, it better be somebody good because…everyone expects it and they kind of have to deliver it I suppose,” Meltzer explained. “If it’s not him, it’s his choosing, it’s not theirs. They believe it’s him. They believe that’s the guy. If for whatever reason he backs out because he’s going to back out, I don’t expect that to happen, but I know people close to him who do…We’ll have to see how it plays out.”

Needless to say, it would be a major letdown for countless WWE fans if Cody didn’t show up at WrestleMania 38 weekend. Most of the company’s top main event stars are already on the two-day WrestleMania card, and it’s hard to think of more intriguing potential options than Rhodes at this point.

Brandi and Cody Rhodes parted ways with AEW last month following the expirations of their contracts. Brandi worked as AEW’s Chief Brand Officer, and aside from wrestling, Cody was one of the company’s Executive Vice Presidents. It’s worth noting that The American Nightmare was never under a non-compete clause after leaving AEW, so he was free to sign with another promotion right away.

Day one of WrestleMania 38 is now just one days away. If Cody doesn’t turn out to be Rollins’ WrestleMania opponent, then we should get more clarity on his WWE status and situation. There’s always the possibility that he doesn’t show up until the post-WrestleMania edition of Monday Night Raw, too.

Source: TheSportster

WWE Is Bringing Back Shane McMahon For WrestleMania 38 Weekend [Report]

WWE is reportedly bringing in Shane McMahon for WrestleMania 38 this weekend.

Two months after an abrupt exit from WWE, it sounds like Shane McMahon will be back for WrestleMania 38 weekend.

As previously noted, McMahon left the WWE following reports that he garnered plenty of backstage heat for largely booking the men’s Royal Rumble match around himself. It was reported that Shane was involved in disagreementts with Vince McMahon and the match winner, Brock Lesnar.

According to a report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, the company will bring in Shane O’Mac for WrestleMania 38 this weekend. The show will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday and Sunday. At this time, there are 14 matches on the card. Johnson added that there isn’t any “word at this time” if McMahon will actually appear at WrestleMania 38, but he will be in Arlington for the event.

On this week’s episode of Raw, Vince McMahon promised Seth Rollins a match at WrestleMania Saturday. However, an opponent will not be announced until the day of the show. So it’s easy to speculate that Rollins will go one-one-one with the 52-year-old wrestling legend.

But it has been reported that Rollins will actually face Cody Rhodes, who apparently signed a deal to return to WWE earlier this month. If Rollins were to face McMahon at WrestleMania, it would make sense for Cody to make his highly-anticipated return on the post-WrestleMania edition of Raw.

Shane McMahon has wrestled at five of the last six WrestleMania events. He didn’t compete at WrestleMania 36, which was pre-taped with no fans in attendance because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It certianly wouldn’t be a surprise if WWE brought in Shane for a match, be it against Rollins or another superstar.

McMahon faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania 32, AJ Styles at WrestleMania 33, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn (a tag team bout with Daniel Bryan), at WrestleMania 34, The Miz at WrestleMania 35 and Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 37 a year ago.

Source: TheSportster