Roman Reigns shared a touching and reflective moment with Cody Rhodes, highlighting the significance of WWE’s recent deal with ESPN and the legacy both men carry in professional wrestling. In an interview on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, Rhodes opened up about a heartfelt interaction with Reigns. “We don’t talk a lot, but he said something to me that really stuck out to me, and it’s very sincere,” Rhodes said. “WWE and pro wrestling, in general, going to such a big platform like ESPN? It’s really everything that our dads ever worked for. So that’s always kind of there… They did it all, you know? And we get to revel in this wonderful success, so we better bring it.”
The comment highlights not just the magnitude of WWE’s growth but also the generational weight both men feel. For Rhodes, whose father Dusty Rhodes was a legendary figure in wrestling, this milestone resonates on a deeply personal level. “I like to get them as loud as possible for as long as possible and my hope – my romantic hope of it all – is that no matter what you believe in, he can hear it…” Cody said, speaking about performing for the next generation while honoring his father’s legacy.
Starting his career at a young age, Cody faced the unique challenges of being a “Nepo baby” in the wrestling world. “I looked at it a little differently in the sense that I selfishly wanted to be better, because that’s kind of how my dad raised me,” Rhodes admitted. His father, Dusty, is not just a family figure but an iconic benchmark—“My dad – to me – is a Mount Rushmore guy. My dad is… How could you ever be better? I didn’t think of it so much as a shadow as more than anything like a light; very inspiring.”
Despite the weight of legacy and the pressure of expectations, Rhodes emphasized the hard work he has put into carving his own path. “It’s a tricky, tricky road! I’ve been – I’m good enough at this point, though. I feel like I’ve worked my way through it!” he said. That persistence has not only earned him respect but also allowed for some lighter moments along the way. Sources close to the locker room recall Rhodes playfully teasing Reigns about his signature Superman punch during practice, causing an entire group of wrestlers to collapse in laughter, showing that even with monumental achievements, camaraderie and humor remain central to the sport.
The ESPN deal itself has sparked excitement—and occasional hilarity—behind the scenes. Reigns joked to Rhodes that maybe next they could pitch a crossover segment featuring WWE stars commentating on a cooking show, much to Rhodes’ amusement. It’s these personal, human interactions that make the story of wrestling more than just scripted entertainment; it’s about family, legacy, mentorship, and even a little comic relief in between the high-flying action.
Ultimately, both Reigns and Rhodes reflect the blend of tradition and personal ambition that defines modern professional wrestling. While they honor the paths carved out by their fathers, they continue to write their own chapters, occasionally laughing at themselves, and always ensuring the show goes on—on ESPN and beyond.