39-year-old WWE star proud of major event, says Rhea Ripley and Seth Rollins were missed
In 2024, WWE produced quite a few noteworthy premium live events, despite some of its top stars, such as Rhea Ripley and Seth Rollins, missing them due to injuries. However, not every PLE was popular. An argument can be made that Backlash: France fits into this category.
The show received criticism for feeling condensed, especially fresh in the wake of a record-breaking WrestleMania XL. Backlash: France, which was headlined by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, set a new gate record, and the matches were well-received in terms of in-ring quality.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso, The American Nightmare reflected on finding success despite limited stars on the card for the event. He opened up about how proud he was for ultimately what was achieved:
"From a team perspective, I was very proud of Backlash," Rhodes said. "We were really without some heavy hitters post-Mania, like Rhea and Seth, and for us to set that arena gate record, that’s a great moment for the team."
Backlash is best remembered for the fans in attendance. They played a huge role in making this show worth watching. Despite the stench of predictability and lack of proper storylines, the Lyon crowd elevated the show from nothingness.
Cody Rhodes reflects on his Hell in a Cell Match against Seth Rollins in June 2022
Two years ago, Cody Rhodes returned to World Wrestling Entertainment. He was immediately plunged into a rivalry with Seth Rollins, with the two finally meeting inside Hell in a Cell at the namesake WWE PLE in June 2022. It was the final edition of the annual event. Moreover, the rivalry was a game-changer for Rhodes, whose popularity grew in proportion.
Taking to X/Twitter, The American Nightmare expressed gratitude to the Chicago crowd at Hell in a Cell 2022. He noted that at first, he felt this was not one of his best moments, as he was going into it with a torn pec:
"I didn’t win this match, Chicago won it for me. I was so embarrassed and dejected, nothing in the eyes and just enough left in the tank for one dance. Just the clips are wild enough for me."
It took him nearly a year to recover from the Hell in a Cell Match against Seth Rollins. But when he did, Cody Rhodes wound up winning the Men's Royal Rumble in January 2023.