Pro wrestling might be predetermined but it isn’t fake. And if you need an example of how real this sport actually is, subject yourself to the agony Cody Rhodes went through Sunday night.
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins were in the main event of Hell in a Cell in a Hell in a Cell match. That kind of match is painful to begin with but Rhodes entered the match with a torn pectoral muscle suffered while weightlifting. And if anyone thought that was some sort of “storyline” injury, those thoughts ended when Cody took his jacket off and the entire right side of his upper chest and inner arm was badly bruised.
"For the love of the game." – @CodyRhodes #HIAC pic.twitter.com/3bHlLl5UB9
— WWE (@WWE) June 6, 2022
The match finished off a feud between the two that began with Cody’s return to WWE at WrestleMania. Rhodes won the first two matches and made it three for three when he delivered two Cross Rhodes finishers to Rollins and then really finished him off with a sledgehammer shot to the face in a match that lasted over 24 minutes. After the match, Rhodes took to the mic and revealed that no one pressured him to wrestle while injured and it was his decision.
The WWE Universe and the wider pro wrestling community had a multitude of emotions about Cody’s performance. Whether they felt that Rhodes shouldn’t have been wrestling in the first place or that it was an unbelievable test of the human will to go out and do what he did, no one can deny they saw something special. It’s reported that he will need surgery and miss an extended period of time but whenever he does have his next match, Cody Rhodes will get an incredible ovation from the crowd.
Liberty better not ever tell me "I can't". I'm gonna have this match cued up faster than she can finish her sentence.
Never imagined he would be able to finish that match…and win.
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) June 6, 2022
Have gotten messages from talent in *every* major company tonight in awe at what Cody Rhodes pulled off at #HIAC.
That's how big that was. #WWE
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) June 6, 2022
Rhodes won with two crossroads and a sledge hammer shot. This was among the most compelling matches in pro wrestling history.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) June 6, 2022
Incredible performance. Cody is the man! That match is a legendary story for decades to come.
— Conrad the Mortgage Guy (@HeyHeyItsConrad) June 6, 2022
Cody Rhodes defined the ideal babyface in today’s professional wrestling world, last night.
Not arrogant and showed up ready for a fight. Showed up with intensity and fire. Well done, Cody. 🤟🏼
#HIAC @CodyRhodes— Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) June 6, 2022
Honestly, I doubt we’ll ever see anything like that ever again. Genuinely so insane. I’m just sitting here borderline speechless.
Cody. Rhodes. Y’all. Wow.#HIAC @CodyRhodes
— Ryan Pappolla (@BodieIsRyan) June 6, 2022
The American Nightmare is Tough AF
— Baron Black (@TheEmpBruh) June 6, 2022
Does Cody get today off at least? I think he’s earned it.
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) June 6, 2022
Can’t teach heart.
— Shawn Spears™️ (@ShawnSpears) June 6, 2022
Cody 💪🏾
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) June 6, 2022
Nothing but respect for @CodyRhodes
— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) June 6, 2022
Cody with a torn pec vs me with a papercut. pic.twitter.com/1t9lx4aBAT
— Wrestling Jebus (@WrestlingJebus) June 6, 2022
It's ok to appreciate Cody's heart & passion for going through w/ that match, while understanding it's not a precedent we want to celebrate .."working injured". #HIAC
— Stephanie Hypes (@StephanieHypes) June 6, 2022
[Photo: WWE]
