For the first time ever, Cody Rhodes teams with Roman Reigns
“Anything is really possible now”
The Week in Wrestling is published every week and provides beneath the surface coverage of the business of pro wrestling.
Cody Rhodes on Bad Blood: “It’ll be the best WWE PLE to date”
Cody Rhodes first wrestled Roman Reigns in October of 2013.
Since then, including live events and WWE programming, Rhodes and Reigns have wrestled in the same match more than three dozen times. Yet they have never teamed together.
Until now.
Nearly 11 years to the day of their first match–a tag match pitting Cody and Dustin Rhodes against Reigns and Seth Rollins–the industry’s two biggest stars are set to team up this Saturday at Bad Blood against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
Asked what excites him most about teaming with Reigns as opposed to wrestling him, Rhodes did what he always does–immediately focused on those who spend their time and hard-earned money investing and believing in WWE.
“That question might be answered better by the fans,” said Rhodes. “To me, it’s the two most disciplined, goal-oriented, and competitive guys in the game teaming.”
The reigning, undisputed WWE Champion, Rhodes won the title when he defeated Reigns in epic fashion at WrestleMania 40. Seven months later, with WWE red hot and only months away from debuting on Netflix, Rhodes stands at the forefront of it all.
Adding to the sheer magnitude of the moment, Rhodes is returning home to Georgia for Bad Blood. Twenty years ago, Rhodes worked for his father’s promotion–Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling–in Georgia, refereeing/witnessing the carnage of matches featuring Abdullah the Butcher while dreaming of moments like the ones that currently exist in his reality.
Georgia is also where Reigns played college football at Georgia Tech, which is less than two miles away from State Farm Arena in Atlanta–the site of Bad Blood. The famed Georgia Tech football stadium was the setting for the phenomenal Rhodes-Reigns segment two weeks ago on SmackDown, an encounter embedded with intensity between two men who have devoted themselves to being the absolute best in the world.
Rhodes was every bit Reigns’ equal on SmackDown, perhaps even outshining his star-studded rival. And he revealed that the on-screen encounter perfectly captured the fierce reality of the moment.
“I wish people could have been there on the ground,” said Rhodes. “To see how real our business can get. Never spoke–just stood on opposite sides of the field and walked towards each other, neither with knowledge of what the other would say and just going straight through.”
Unlike prior encounters, particularly the ones in the buildups to their match at WrestleMania 39 and the ensuing rematch at WrestleMania 40, this was distinctly unique. It was Rhodes carrying the extra weight of prestige with WWE’s gold title belt, while Reigns–long the champion–now operating in unfamiliar territory as the one chasing the champ.
Remarkably, this may now stand as the most exceptional pre-recorded segment in pro wrestling history. Those types of segments always have a knack for forced emotions, yet this felt incredibly real. Rhodes is a perfectionist and his own harshest critic, yet this production–led by a behind-the-scenes dream team of Paul Heyman, Jeremy Borash, and Rob Fee–exceeded even his loftiest expectations.
“Hats off to Mr. Heyman, JB, and Rob Fee for putting it in such a stylized manner,” said Rhodes. “Reminded me of when World Class [Championship Wrestling] used to have credits roll after.”
Speculation and interest continue to run high in WWE, a credit to Rhodes. In addition to being an active champion, he has flourished in his role as company ambassador. Speaking with company employees, people are in awe of Rhodes’ work ethic and dedication to the fan base.
Rhodes is doing a masterful run in his first reign as world champ. He started off in tremendous fashion, headlining Backlash in Paris against AJ Styles this past May–his first PLE title defense–and leading an effort that set a new record for the largest gate of any arena show in WWE history.
“From a team perspective, I was very proud of Backlash,” said Rhodes. “We were really without some heavy hitters post-Mania, like Rhea and Seth, and for us to set that arena gate record, that’s a great moment for the team.
“I’ve also enjoyed going to every market–A, B, and C–and showing off the Northern Star of the business [the WWE Championship]. There’s something about this being from the WWWF territory, the [Madison Square] Garden belt–and to be able to bring it around the south and around the world, it feels surreal that a Rhodes has it.”
Rhodes’ run with the belt has centered around compelling stories and outstanding matches. With high caliber title bouts, especially against AJ Styles and Kevin Owens, not to mention the recent cage match on SmackDown against Sikoa, Rhodes has added even more importance to the WWE Championship.
Now Rhodes teams with Reigns–in his first match since WrestleMania 40–at Bad Blood against Sikoa and Fatu. It is must-see viewing, with Rhodes continuing to set the industry standard. Except this time, he will be doing it beside Reigns instead of against him.
“Anything is really possible now,” said Rhodes. “The quarterback and the cornerstone. It’ll be the best WWE PLE to date.”
This past week…
… Seth Rollins returned on Raw, providing a fantastic finish to the show. It also included a spot where Braun Strowman and Bronson Reed broke the ring (that match especially stood out for two giants), CM Punk and Drew McIntyre prepared for Hell in a Cell, and The Miz finally returned to his heel ways by turning on R-Truth.
… Dynamite opened and closed with fantastic matches. Bryan Danielson defeated the returning Nigel McGuinness in a wonderful bout to kick off the show for AEW, and Jon Moxley earned the right to challenge Danielson by defeating Darby Allin (and a surprise appearance from MVP means Bobby Lashley cannot be far behind).
… Danielson is back in action tonight–yes, tonight–in a must-see match against Kazuchika Okada, which also led to a funny-because-it’s-true tweet from MJF.
… Naomi lost to Bayley on SmackDown, but that was the best match she has had since returning earlier this year at the Royal Rumble–and she now has a real story she can embrace as she pursues the title.
NXT made its debut last night on the CW Network, and it ended with a major moment as Trick Williams defeated Ethan Page to regain the NXT title.
… RIP Pete Rose, who made a lasting impact in a short amount of time in WWE.
… If you’re unfamiliar with the history of Ricochet and Will Ospreay, you’re in for a treat tonight when they face off on Dynamite. If you are well-versed in their past, then buckle up for their first match against one another since 2017.
Q&A with Beyond Wrestling’s Drew Cordeiro
Tomorrow’s Wrestling Open show is a celebration of three full years of pro wrestling every Thursday night in Worcester, Massachusetts.
This dates back to the third season of Beyond Wrestling’s Uncharted Territory show, which started in October of 2021 and ran until Wrestling Open launched the following January.
A creative concept, Wrestling Open is an “open mic night” for indie wrestlers where the athletes sign up to wrestle on Thursday each week at the White Eagle in Worcester. The platform, which allows inexperienced competitors the opportunity to get meaningful reps in a structured environment, has built a loyal following.
Drew Cordeiro, who is the founder of indie promotion Beyond Wrestling, oversees Wrestling Open. We connected earlier this week to discuss the anniversary, as well as dig deep into what makes indie wrestling so meaningful.
Justin Barrasso: Thursday marks the three-year celebration of weekly pro wrestling in Worcester. What’s made the partnership such a success?
Drew Cordeiro: We have the best fans anywhere on the indies. And by that, I specifically mean they are the most respectful and supportive. They aren’t bloodthirsty; they aren’t there to see wrestlers get hurt. Instead, our fans want to see their favorites go on to earn life-changing opportunities. That adds value to our platform and helps us attract incredible partners like White Eagle, which hosts all of our weekly Wrestling Open events in Worcester.
Thankfully we’ve earned such a strong reputation within the community that we have also been able to host Beyond Wrestling supershows at Ralph’s Rock Diner, The Palladium, and other local institutions. Rather than “burning the town”, we continue to grow our presence and fanbase within the heart of the Commonwealth.
JB: You see the shows from a different angle. What is a memory that sticks out to you?
Cordeiro: I love watching the crowd and how they react. Our audience is a mix of die-hards that are at Wrestling Open every Thursday night, regulars who are there once or twice a month, and first-timers who are experiencing independent wrestling for the first time. Even when I can’t see a match, I can hear how the fans respond.
The coolest moment, by far, was when Ichiban defeated Brad Hollister to become the first ever Wrestling Open Champion. Both athletes had insane chemistry. It wasn’t the biggest turnout we ever had, but it was the most satisfying feeling I can remember in the 15+ years I’ve run Beyond Wrestling. When fans are jumping up and down, screaming at the top of their lungs, and throwing their hands in the air, you know everyone involved has done their job.
JB: You’ve hosted celebrities–Clairo was at a show this summer–and helped provide a launchpad for talent to go to WWE and AEW. Is this exactly what you’ve always wanted to accomplish in pro wrestling?
Cordeiro: When Beyond Wrestling first started in 2009, I wanted to give my friends a chance to have fun and wrestle without restrictions–we did that by staging matches absent of a live audience years before the pandemic forced the programming format. When we introduced Uncharted Territory in 2019, we wanted to take independent wrestling and put it through the lens of a weekly television show. And when the idea for Wrestling Open was first being tossed around, we wanted to give rookie wrestlers a place to get meaningful reps which would allow them to hone their craft in a structured environment.
I always loved pro wrestling growing up and wanted to give back as soon as I was able. I will continue to look at different areas of the independent scene that could use improvement and always work on new ideas. If we get to host the music video for the number one song on TikTok along the way, that’s just gravy.
JB: What is in store for the Inception show tomorrow on IWTV?
Cordeiro: This Thursday, we celebrate three consecutive years of live pro wrestling every Thursday in Worcester. That started with 13 episodes of Uncharted Territory in October of 2021 and continued with the debut of Wrestling Open in January of 2022.
Inception will be the 145th episode of Wrestling Open and will feature a co-main event of Alec Price vs. Aaron Rourke–and Miracle Generation vs. Swipe Right. Bobby Orlando, Dezmond Cole, Gabby Forza, Tiara James, and more are also scheduled to compete. Wrestling Open features the most promising young athletes in the Northeast each week, and this Thursday will be no different.
JB: You give a heartbeat to indie wrestling. Why should wrestling fans make sure they’re watching?
Cordeiro: The narratives are unlike anything else you can find anywhere on the indies. The energy is palpable. I urge everyone reading this to prioritize watching a few episodes, and I’m confident it will become appointment viewing. As an artist you want to share your work with as big of an audience as possible. Tickets for this all-ages show are always just $10 at the door. We want to make independent wrestling as accessible as possible so we can continue to make new fans. For those who want to support but can’t get to Worcester, we broadcast live on IWTV with the spotlight match starting at 7:45pm.
I know I’m the one doing the interview, and in a lot of ways the face of Beyond Wrestling since I’ve been the only constant over the last 15-plus years, but we have dozens of people working on Wrestling Open every week. They don’t get nearly enough credit. It is unfathomable to think we’d make it this far if it wasn’t for their continued effort. Thank you to all of the wrestlers, our crew, and the wonderful fans that continue to support. Every Thursday Forever!
Bret Hart-Vince McMahon scuffle could have played out a whole lot differently
The Mr. McMahon series on Netflix has allowed a chance to revisit the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” from November of 1997.
Though some details–most notably how McMahon had granted Hart creative control throughout the last 30 days of his contract–were omitted, it stood as a unique opportunity to hear from both Hart and McMahon on the matter.
During a conversation with Hart, he once told me that the whole ordeal almost played out a lot differently.
After the match, Hart had pounded to no avail on the door to McMahon’s makeshift office. But McMahon evidently realized he couldn’t cower away from Hart, so he chose to address him in the locker room.
Hart, by his own admission, had calmed down during his post-match shower. He assumed he’d never see McMahon again, then laughed when realizing his towel had gone missing. Brother-in-law “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith made a habit of stealing Hart’s towel and using it before Hart’s matches, and it had dawned on Hart that Smith had done it again.
Before he could find a clean towel, Hart was informed that McMahon wanted to speak with him. Sopping wet, Hart exited the shower ready to fight McMahon.
“The first time I walked past Vince, there was a part of me that wanted to take him out right then and there,” explained Hart. “But the thought of me getting into a scrap with him while naked seemed ridiculous.”
Still undressed, Hart walked past McMahon. He found a clean towel, then voiced his frustration to McMahon.
“Vince said straight to me, ‘This is the first time I ever had to lie to one of my talent,’” said Hart. “I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ Then I rattled off on every finger about ten different lies he’d told me in the last week. Vince told me, ‘What I did to you today won’t hurt you. You’ll still get all the money you’re supposed to get from WCW.’
“Somewhere in that conversation, I said, ‘If you’re still here after I get dressed, I’m going to punch you out.’”
Hart slowly got dressed, and McMahon held his ground.
“I remember thinking, ‘I wish he would just leave,’” said Hart. “But he seemed to want to prove some kind of a point.
“The last thing I tied was my shoelaces, and I remember thinking there was nothing else to put on. So I stood up and started to realize that Vince had this all planned out. He wanted to put on a good showing to all of the wrestlers, showing he wasn’t this conniving little chickenshit guy that everyone thought he was. He wanted to show everyone he was this courageous Vince McMahon who stood Bret Hart down.”
McMahon didn’t back down, but neither did Hart. That led to pro wrestling’s most famous backstage punch, with Hart dropping McMahon with a right-handed uppercut.
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If done right, Shane McMahon could have a memorable run in AEW.