WWE legend details why Cody Rhodes' injury came at a surprisingly "opportune time" for his career
Cody Rhodes has established himself at the top of the mountain in WWE. He defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The American Nightmare returned to the Stamford-based company at WrestleMania 38. He faced Seth Rollins in an epic trilogy before taking time off due to an injury. After his return, he won two successive Royal Rumbles and went on an amazing journey to win championship gold.
While speaking on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast this week, former WWE manager Dutch Mantell claimed that Cody's injury was a blessing in disguise. He explained that Vince McMahon was still in charge when Rhodes returned and there was no telling how he would book The American Nightmare. Mantell felt Cody had been booked amazingly under the new regime.
"Look at Cody getting hurt. He got hurt at a time when he needed to be out of sight because Vince (McMahon) was still in the picture. And no telling what Vince would have done to him. So, I think he got hurt at an opportune time that he needed to be out of the picture, and then when Vince faded, Cody comes back in and it's all been wine and roses since then," Dutch Mantell said. [38:53 - 39:23]
You can watch the podcast below:
It would be interesting to see how the Stamford-based promotion will further engage Cody in some exciting storylines.
Cody Rhodes will face Solo Sikoa at WWE SummerSlam 2024
Cody Rhodes is currently in Japan for WWE's live event tour. However, that did not stop him from appearing in a video package on SmackDown.
During the vignette aired on the blue brand this week, Cody spoke about how The Bloodline laid waste to his allies one by one. He then declared that he would take on the might of the heel faction single-handedly at SummerSlam 2024.
Cody Rhodes vowed to bring all his fire and intensity to his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Solo Sikoa at The Biggest Party of The Summer. He made it clear that there was no way he would let his title fall into the grip of The Bloodline ever again. He also called out the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief, asking him for a confrontation next week on SmackDown.
It will be interesting to see if Cody manages to retain his Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam 2024.
If you use the quotes from the first half of this article, please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and add an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.