INTERVIEW: Cody Rhodes Talks WrestleMania 42, 'STREET FIGHTER,' & Return To WWE After AEW Departure +More
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In this episode of The Breakfast Club, host Cody Rhodes opens up about his journey back to WWE after his departure from AEW, reflecting on the emotional and professional challenges of returning to the spotlight. He shares how his early love for wrestling was sparked by the raw energy of live crowds and a simple arm drag move, and discusses the internal struggle of living up to his family legacy—particularly his father and brother—while carving out his own identity. Rhodes reveals how stepping away to pursue independent wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and his own promotion helped him mature as a performer before re-entering WWE with renewed purpose. He also discusses his upcoming WrestleMania 42 showdown with Randy Orton, calling it a deeply personal and historic moment, and previews his role in the upcoming Street Fighter movie as Guile, a role he landed unexpectedly after a casual meeting with Legendary Pictures. Throughout the conversation, Rhodes emphasizes the importance of family, mental health, and authenticity in both wrestling and life, highlighting his wife Brandi’s pivotal role in his career and personal growth.
Wrestling is storytelling—your size, strength, or background doesn’t define you; your presence and connection with the audience do.
Stepping away from WWE to grow independently was crucial to finding your authentic voice in the industry.
The most powerful moments in wrestling come from real emotion and lived experience, not scripted lines.
Family support—especially from a partner who makes selfless choices—can be the foundation of a successful comeback.
Wrestling’s future lies in balancing seasoned veterans with emerging talent, ensuring the art form evolves without losing its soul.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction & Podcast Promos
The episode begins with a series of promotional segments for other iHeartRadio podcasts, including The Clifford Show, Sports Slice, The Girlfriends, The Away End, and Inside American Soccer, setting the stage for the main interview.
Cody Rhodes' Wrestling Origins
“That's where I fell in love with it. It was more almost hearing it than seeing it just because of the interaction.”
Overcoming the Legacy & Early Struggles
“I didn't get that until mid-30s. And now it's the elusive connection that John Cena always taught us about and preached to me.”
WrestleMania 42 & the Randy Orton Match
“This is the guy who brought me into the fold to be part of his faction. This is a guy who I drove from town to town...”
Street Fighter Movie Role & Creative Transition
“When I put that on, I felt if it's a good performance because I felt like I was him. I didn't even like seeing the double with it. I'm like, no, just me.”
“I wouldn't have been able to come back if she didn't make a very selfless decision that changed my life.”
“This is the guy who brought me into the fold to be part of his faction. This is a guy who I drove from town to town...”
“When I put that on, I felt if it's a good performance because I felt like I was him. I didn't even like seeing the double with it. I'm like, no, just me.”
Hosts
Guest
Cody Rhodes
person
WWE
organization
Brandi Rhodes
person
Randy Orton
person
WrestleMania 42
other
Street Fighter
media
John Cena
person
AEW
organization
Guile
other
Legendary Pictures
organization
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