Cody Rhodes achieves impressive feat ahead of WWE Clash at the Castle - Reports
WWE Clash at the Castle: Scotland saw Cody Rhodes win what looked to be one of his toughest matches since returning. Sources have just disclosed information that reveals a major accolade for the SmackDown Superstar, as well as more success from this past weekend.
The American Nightmare retained the Undisputed WWE Championship over AJ Styles at Clash at the Castle: Scotland. The premium live event opened up with a near-28-minute "I Quit!" match. Rhodes rode a wave of success into WrestleMania XL, where he dethroned Roman Reigns, but he's had some major competition for the top as of late, especially when it comes to merchandise sales.
The former TNT Champion recently hosted a private signing that was a major success. Fightful Select reports that 500 of Rhodes' custom belts were sold almost immediately, according to a source close to Fanatics. WWE Shop currently has multiple styles of Cody's American Nightmare Weight Lifting Belt priced at $114.99, with the commemorative versions priced at $24.99. It wasn't clear which belts were sold at the aforementioned signing.
The Grandson of a Plumber also had a big merchandise weekend in Glasgow for Clash at the Castle: Scotland. The report notes that Rhodes was the top talent seller at events held over the weekend in Scotland. The Scotland 3:16 t-shirt was another hot seller, while CM Punk's merchandise also moved well.
Officials have not announced who Rhodes will defend against at Money in the Bank on July 6. The All State Arena currently has Rhodes advertised for Friday's SmackDown in Chicago, but WWE has not officially confirmed his appearance.
Cody Rhodes on relationship with WWE CCO Triple H
There's an interesting dynamic between Cody Rhodes and Triple H as top talents from two of pro wrestling's biggest families - The McMahons and The Rhodes. The current Undisputed WWE Champion actually took shots at the current Chief Content Officer during the early days of AEW, but they have moved past any potential issues.
Speaking to Busted Open Radio, Rhodes recently had an exchange with Bully Ray over ego and his current status. He then praised longtime referee John Cone, who also works as Senior Manager of Talent Relations, and WWE President Nick Khan.
Regarding Triple H, Rhodes revealed their "unique player-coach relationship," and reiterated how they're firing on all cylinders these days.
"The team I have on the road, there's some incredible people who help prop me up. I'll give flowers to John Cone, who helped put me in the right [hotel] rooms. Nick Khan has been such an exceptional leader. Clearly, Triple H and I have a really unique player-coach relationship that I would have never anticipated, him calling the plays and me being able to run them. I do feel like I'm hitting on all cylinders," Cody Rhodes said.
Cody and Triple H had a few dozen multi-man matches over the years, but only three singles bouts, and all in 2009. The Game won the first, in a Steel Cage, then they had a Beat The Clock draw, and the King of Kings won the last by DQ.