When Cody Rhodes thinks about Boston, one night immediately comes to mind.
It took place at TD Garden on WWE’s flagship show Raw in March 2023, and what made it so memorable was hometown hero John Cena introducing him to the crowd.
“I love wrestling history, and Boston is rich in wrestling history with everything that transpired at the Boston Garden,” said Rhodes. “My moment in Boston came with John on the ramp two years ago. That was really validating. We’d known each other for years, but that was John’s introduction to who I’d become as ‘The American Nightmare.’
“Plus, whenever there is wrestling anywhere near Boston, I think of Kowloon. I’ve never walked into Kowloon, at least not yet, but I love how they always host us – it’s one of the few things the group always does together.”
When Rhodes shared the stage in Boston with Cena, he took his shot – leaning in and asking the superstar for a match before Cena finished his career. That request became a reality when Rhodes wrestled Cena in the WrestleMania 41 main event this past April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
A legendary crowd favorite, Cena – the Newburyport native who is retiring at the end of the year – entered uncharted territory by becoming the villain, cheating to take the WWE title from Rhodes.
Ever since packing up his gear at WrestleMania, Rhodes has kept the security sticker on his bag from Allegiant Stadium. He doesn’t plan on removing it until he regains the belt. Rhodes will have his chance next month when he headlines SummerSlam against Cena.
“Whatever edge I had before pales in comparison to the edge I’ve had since leaving WrestleMania,” said Rhodes, who defeated Randy Orton in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament to earn this title shot. “Think about how insanely competitive I am with my peers. I want so badly to continue to run the score up on anyone who doubted me, as well as fight for all those who believe in me.”
Cena’s victory against Orton took place in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago at the Night of Champions event. Despite the turmoil in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, WWE made its trip to Saudi Arabia uninterrupted.
“That is a responsibility to our fan base,” said Rhodes. “I don’t want to be negative, but I will say there is this whole ‘gotcha culture’ over who is a Democrat, who is a Republican, who is a moderate, and who people support. None of these things really should be anybody’s business – because our business is going where our show goes, which is all over the world, and hopefully bringing people together.
“WWE is a non-partisan brand. We go where the show goes. One of the biggest eye-opening moments when you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is when you look out at the fans at the show, at the meet and greets, or outside the hotel – and there is such a similarity between those who are hungry for WWE back home and those who are hungry for it in Europe and those who are so hungry for it all over the world. I feel so honored, especially in tumultuous times, to be able to go.”
Another memory from Boston suddenly seized Rhodes’ attention. It took place in the fall of 2009 at the SmackDown 10-year anniversary show during an eight-man tag featuring a bevy of stars – with Cena, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Triple H against CM Punk, Orton, Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.
“After the broadcast, confetti dropped on The Undertaker while he was mid-pose on one knee,” said a smiling Rhodes. “That was a bit of a rib from the people in the Gorilla position. I’ll never forget his reaction – let’s just say Taker wasn’t happy about it.”
Unforgettable moments are a hallmark of Rhodes’ career. He is leading the way as WWE becomes even more mainstream, more popular, and more profitable, a mission he believes is only in its early stages.
“If you ask me or Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley or Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns, or anyone else from our locker room, we’re all hell bent on making this WWE run stronger than any era in existence,” said Rhodes. “I’m not talking about when you look back 10 years from now. I’m talking about a golden era, and we refuse to miss the mark.”
An integral piece of WWE’s future takes place at SummerSlam. Rhodes’ request from two years ago in Boston has come true – he gets to share the ring again with Cena.
“John Cena is the greatest champion in wrestling history,” said Rhodes. “It’s foolish to think he’s handing out any torches. He wants to go out like a warrior, or he will leave with the title, then we’ll have to have some silly tournament or something that I can prevent here and now.
“You have to beat him to grab that torch. Hit him where the ref can count to 100 if he wants. It honors his legacy to give him that as a warrior.”
