With stakes tied at 1-1, the tension was palpable as the clash between Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes unfolded at the electrifying arena of SummerSlam. The atmosphere at Ford Field was charged with fervent support for Rhodes, who faced the uphill battle of overcoming The Beast in their decisive “rubber match.” As the encounter reached its culmination, Rhodes etched his name into an esteemed roster of pro wrestling victors who managed to conquer The Beast on two occasions. While the match itself was a cacophony of adrenaline-soaked moments that riveted the audience, the aftermath held its own share of gripping drama, leaving even the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, taken aback by Lesnar’s unexpected gesture.
In a conversation with Sports Illustrated following the monumental showdown, Rhodes bared his thoughts and emotions, giving insight into his perspective on the unprecedented encounter.
The third installment in the Rhodes-Lesnar saga undoubtedly emerged as the pinnacle of their intense rivalry. The backdrop was set when the 46-year-old unleashed his fury, ambushing Rhodes in a startling assault during the RAW episode following ‘Mania in April. This pivotal rivalry unfolded in consecutive Premium Live Events—WWE Backlash and Night of Champions—both transpiring within the dynamic confines of the month of May.
While Lesnar’s presence was absent at Money in the Bank, the culminating encounter transpired at the August 5 Premium Live Event. A battle that extended over a relentless 17 minutes witnessed Rhodes emerging victorious, culminating the contest with a trio of consecutive Cross Rhodes maneuvers delivered to Lesnar. The culmination of the clash held an unexpected twist as Lesnar, having sustained defeat, discarded his gloves and commenced a deliberate approach towards Rhodes, who found himself immersed in a sea of uncertainty.
- Advertisement -
However, a startling departure from his customary persona took everyone by surprise—Lesnar extended an embrace to Rhodes, lifting his arm in a camaraderie-filled gesture, resonating with the jubilation of the enthralled crowd. The magnetic exchange that transpired between the two competitors in the aftermath was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Reflecting on this momentous moment, Rhodes confessed that he initially presumed Lesnar was inclined for a rematch. Rhodes noted, “Then we went head-to-head, and it felt like we were a millisecond away from starting up again. So I didn’t anticipate that handshake coming,” the triumphant victor of the 2023 Royal Rumble conveyed.
The prospect of Lesnar potentially unleashing a renewed onslaught akin to the brutal episode that unfolded on April 3 during RAW remained a lingering specter. However, Lesnar’s unexpected handshake veered the trajectory of their dynamic, offering a paradigm shift. Rhodes articulated his gratitude for Lesnar’s unprecedented gesture, remarking, “When I saw his hand, I was grateful. That’s not something he does,” a sentiment that underscored the profound impact of this unprecedented exchange and the respect it garnered.
