Cody Rhodes, well-known for his wrestling heritage, started a path that reshaped not only his career but also his core identity. Rhodes didn’t just leave WWE, it was a daring decision that led him to help start AEW, a move that made waves in the wrestling industry. However, underlying Rhodes’ ambitious pursuit was a more profound challenge – a feeling of being adrift, a conflict with his inner guide.
The pivotal moment: a brief but impactful conversation
In a revealing conversation on “Busted Open Radio,” Rhodes opened up about a critical moment that marked the beginning of his reconnection with WWE, particularly with Triple H. The encounter took place in Dallas, just before Rhodes made his return to WWE, a moment that, while brief, carried profound significance.
“It was in Dallas before I came back. Like everyone’s coming on the bus and he was the last person who had come on the bus,” Rhodes shared, his voice tinged with reflection. “But it was actually just a really short, brief conversation, and again, I don’t wanna just blow smoke, but the truth is, it was the most important conversation I had. We didn’t talk about any of the old stuff. We still haven’t talked about any of the old stuff.”
This interaction, devoid of any lingering issues from the past, seemed to be a turning point for Rhodes. It was as if this brief exchange with Triple H reignited something within him—a realization, a clarity that had been missing during his time away from WWE.
The struggle with identity and direction
While working at AEW, Rhodes had multiple roles such as wrestler, promoter, and office manager, all of which required his attention and pulled him in various directions. The burden of these duties had a negative impact, causing feelings of perplexity and doubt. Rhodes acknowledged that he had become disconnected from his intuition, the internal guidance system that used to navigate him in the ever-changing realm of professional wrestling.
“Throughout my time away and then time at AEW, I got over inundated with just information and stuff in the combination of office/wrestler, this/that, promoter particularly, that my compass got completely blown. I didn’t know what was good anymore,” Rhodes confessed, his words revealing the depth of his internal struggle. “Is this good? Is this bad? But I really did lose a lot of my compass in my gut, so having him [Triple H], particularly him … him and Bruce [Prichard] has been a blessing.”
This admission speaks volumes about the challenges Rhodes faced in balancing his many roles and the impact it had on his sense of self. The man who once had a clear vision of his path found himself questioning his every move, unsure of what was right or wrong.
The road to redemption: A triumphant return
Since Rhodes came back to WWE, he has experienced rapid advancement, regaining his position in the company with a fresh feeling of determination. His win over Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam showcases his tenacity and drive. What truly defines Rhodes‘ comeback are not just the awards and recognition, but the emotional and mental struggles faced during the journey.
Rhodes’ narrative is about finding redemption, not only in the view of the fans or the wrestling community but also within his being. The short, powerful talk with Triple H, the understanding of his misplaced path, and the following rediscovery of his inner compass all played a part in a story that is both captivating and motivating.
In the realm of professional wrestling, where characters and plotlines frequently mix reality and make-believe, Cody Rhodes’ path shines as a profoundly human journey. It tells a tale of getting lost and then rediscovering one’s path, confronting the inner struggles that come with development and transformation, and in the end, of coming out more resilient, determined, and prepared to take back control of one’s fate.
