Rhodes' WrestleMania Return Reignited His Wrestling Passion: A SummerSlam Preview
Cody Rhodes has revealed how his triumphant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 rekindled his love for professional wrestling, re-igniting his ambition to reach the pinnacle of the industry.
After helping establish AEW, Rhodes returned to WWE in a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 38, facing off against Seth Rollins. This marked a significant comeback for Rhodes, who had left the company in 2016 after becoming dissatisfied with his position.
In the intervening years, Rhodes had embarked on a journey of reinvention, gracing the rings of TNA, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, before co-founding AEW.
Speaking on The Miz's podcast "So, What Do You Want To Talk About?", Rhodes reflected on the period leading up to his WWE return.
"I was so immersed in the revolution happening with AEW," he explained. "I wanted to be the guy they trusted the most with all the changes, the face of it all. I was so focused on making it work, that I didn't stop to think, 'Is this working? Is this taking off?'
"By the time I returned to WrestleMania, I was uncertain. I thought, 'I'll probably be well-received, but I might be booed for leaving and doing my own thing.' While I wasn't just happy to be there, my priority at that point was providing for my family.
"The moment I came back, the feeling was rekindled, not just for pro wrestling, but also this feeling of, 'I can get to the top. It's not lost yet. I still have a shot at it.'"
Rhodes now finds himself facing a familiar challenge at SummerSlam, where he'll defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa.
Despite overcoming Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rhodes continues to battle The Bloodline, which has undergone a transformation under Sikoa's leadership. Sikoa has taken control of the faction, recruiting new members and ruthlessly dismissing Jimmy Uso, a move that could potentially backfire.
SummerSlam also features a highly anticipated clash between Damian Priest and Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Other standout matches include the long-awaited singles encounter between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, Rhea Ripley defending her Women's World Championship against Liv Morgan, and Nia Jax challenging Bayley for the Women's Title.
With a star-studded card and high stakes, SummerSlam promises to be a night of thrilling action and memorable moments.
