WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Names His Favorite Superstars Growing Up
In an special interview with Chris Van Vliet, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes spread out about the wrestling legends who inspired him during his youth. Cody, the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, shared vibrant reminiscences of the iconic figures who left an indelible mark on him at the same time as he hung out backstage at WCW shows within the 1990s.
Reflecting on his adolescence, Cody recalled three towering figures in the wrestling international who would later be enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame. Among these, “Macho Man” Randy Savage stands out for a specifically memorable come upon that solidified his location as one in all Cody’s all-time favorite wrestlers.
“Macho Man had come to WCW, and I was around 12 years old,” Cody began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “He just randomly walked by me, and my dad would always introduce me as if I was a 25-year-old wrestler, which put a lot of pressure on me. Savage looked at me and said, ‘Hey Code man, how many push-ups can you do? 10? Oh, do 10 with me.’ We just got on the floor and did push-ups together. That moment made him my favorite wrestler ever. It was so cool.”
Cody’s admiration for Randy Savage wasn’t just about that singular interaction. It turned into approximately the larger-than-life persona Savage embodied, the intensity and charisma that made every come across sense large than existence. This reminiscence is etched in Cody’s thoughts as a testomony to Savage’s ability to connect to lovers, even younger ones like him on the time.
Another legend who left an enduring impression on Cody turned into The Great Muta. Known for his enigmatic presence and mystique, Muta’s backstage demeanor involved the younger Cody.
“One of my guys at WCW was Muta,” Cody reminisced. “He signed one of the autograph boards they have in Japan, still wearing his hood over his face paint. We had a moment backstage where he came down on one knee to talk to me. I couldn’t believe it. He was the coolest thing ever.”
The awe and reverence in Cody’s voice as he stated this interplay underscored the profound effect such moments had on him. For Cody, Muta wasn’t just a wrestler; he changed into a discern shrouded in thriller and respect, someone who commanded attention and admiration via his unique personality.
However, the wrestler who held the most significant area in Cody’s coronary heart became none other than WWE Hall of Famer Sting. Sting’s near courting with Dusty Rhodes similarly cemented his status as Cody’s early life idol.
“The big one was Sting,” Cody revealed with a smile. “He and my dad had a good relationship. Sting was my young idol growing up, and I always wanted to be a wrestler like him.”
Sting’s influence on Cody extended beyond the ring. It was the bond between Sting and his father that made the impression even more profound. Sting’s integrity, loyalty, and dedication to the craft were qualities that Cody admired deeply, and they shaped his own approach to wrestling and life.
Cody’s heartfelt recollections provide a window into the experiences that shaped his passion for wrestling. These iconic figures didn’t just entertain him; they inspired him, mentored him, and fueled his dreams of becoming a wrestling superstar.
In the same interview, Cody also discussed seeking guidance from current WWE legend John Cena. As a 15-time champion, Cena’s insights into being at the top of the wrestling world, particularly in terms of merchandise sales and fan engagement, have been invaluable to Cody.
“John Cena has been a great mentor,” Cody said. “Whenever I need advice on handling the pressures of being a top star, I reach out to him. His experience and perspective have been incredibly helpful.”
Cody Rhodes’ journey to becoming the WWE Undisputed Champion is a testament to the lasting influence of his childhood heroes. Their impact, coupled with the guidance from current legends like Cena, continues to shape Cody’s career as he carves out his legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
H/t to ITRwrestling.co
