Cody Rhodes pushes for WWE to make history in the United Kingdom
Cody Rhodes made a bold WrestleMania claim at a WWE Live Event today in the United Kingdom.
The American Nightmare defeated Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania XL to become champion. LA Knight and AJ Styles will be competing this Friday night on SmackDown to determine Cody Rhodes' opponent at Backlash next month. Following his victory over Shinsuke Nakamura at a recent WWE Live Event in Birmingham, the veteran grabbed the microphone and thanked the crowd for their support.
The 38-year-old reacted to the "you deserve it!" chants by claiming that the United Kingdom deserves a WrestleMania for the first time. He then gave away a signed weight belt to the loudest fan to end his promo.
The promotion hosted SummerSlam 1992 at Wembley Stadium in London and recently held Money in the Bank 2023 at the O2 Arena. John Cena appeared during the premium live event last July and suggested that the UK host a future WrestleMania as well.
WWE veteran explains why he is interested in Cody Rhodes' storyline
Wrestling legend Dutch Mantell has disclosed why he is now more intrigued by Cody Rhodes' storyline following his victory at WrestleMania XL.
Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk show, the wrestling veteran shared why he was warming up to Rhodes' storyline on WWE television. He noted that the company has rejuvenated the sport of wrestling and now everything is must-watch.
"Well I am interested in the story now more than I was. Because I think they have rejuvenated the sport of wrestling, pro-wrestling to such a degree that now it is must-watch TV. And there is no other TV, I mean, WWE hasn't had that in so many years, but now they do. And they've got so much talent that they have emphasis on that they can draw from," said Mantell. [From 04:58 onwards]
You can check out Mantell's comments in the video below:
Cody Rhodes praised Roman Reigns' run as champion following his victory at The Show of Shows and said he hopes to be half as impactful as The Tribal Chief. It will be interesting to see who emerges victorious on SmackDown and earns the right to challenge for the title next month at Backlash.