Cody Rhodes Talks CM Punk AEW Brawl, WrestleMania Plans, Relationship With Triple H | The MMA Hour

Cody Rhodes discusses the road to WrestleMania, winning Royal Rumble, having his late father as part of the storyline, what it’s like working with Triple H, when he started to think about leaving AEW for WWE, the CM Punk backstage brawl, and more.
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[@patrickhughes4914]

It's crazy that the best thing Cody did for his career was leaving the WWE. He was really able to show his talent in the smaller promotion and then come back as a star. That would've never happened if he had stayed.

[@hotcoldman77]

Something a lot of guys who are suffering in limbo should do. Drew also did it as well

[@Matt-cr4vv]

It’s dope that he did it. Genuinely risking so much to bet on himself and I’ll always root for him because if it. But at the same time it’s almost an indictment of where WWE goes wrong. It’s kinda wild that so often people have to leave for somewhere else and become a top star and return before they get the opportunity in the WWE. Like mentioned here Cody and Drew are both examples of guys having to leave and succeed somewhere else to get the opportunity to be a top level star. It just seems odd that you wouldn’t let them try while you have them versus making them do it for somebody else before you’ll do it. Especially when you see how adamant they’ll be about other people like a Roman where they basically force the person to be a top guy even if the fans don’t want it. But in the end even if I think it’s silly how they do it it’s still nice to see them be brought back in at that level and prove themselves right. But still would think you give them a chance to do it versus setting them loose to do it somewhere else because you refuse to even entertain it happening in the company.

[@joshx022]

Yep he got vital experience for his future after he hangs them up. Knows his own limitations. Pretty proud of that dude.

[@timothygraham4304]

@@Matt-cr4vv What did he risk? AEW was incorporated before All in, and he can be working as long as he liked.

[@pirajacinto4]

When you bet on yourself, man you can go places.

[@LateLastNight]

To all the people that made Cody feel bad for showing emotion, you all suck. This guy has reinvigorated the wrestling sphere.

[@xxxjules27]

Big facts 💯

[@Juicelee777ssj]

He has consistently given the best and most heartfelt promos in the business bar none. It's very few people who do promos where you believe what they are saying. He's in a small class of people in wrestling today that when they say something I believe it.

[@jbj7599]

I actually want to watch again, I know there's a lot of trash on the shows, but Cody is must see tv

[@aspect1200]

The same people that would boo Cody in AEW, are the same morons who would cheer for Jungle Boy and the Dark Order. And those people swear they know good wrestling!

[@ec5018]

@@aspect1200 and no one knows who they are

[@RonnyWelles]

Cody has the best opinion on the brawl out situation from basically anyone that's commented on it.

[@Jack91790]

Don't even like Cody, but you're right. People commenting on both extremes sound ridiculous.

[@omenxiii9229]

@@Jack91790 True. Just sad what happened there, but as Cody just said - they can do something big with it, maybe, maybe now. Only time will tell.

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

Everyone was at fault they all handled it bad

[@KrazyDragonX905]

whats the brawl out situation you mean ? do you mean that Aew brawl with cm punk

[@FearedKamil]

@@KrazyDragonX905 Yes

[@ringslider]

The awesome thing about Cody is that you know that he loves wrestling. Not just the ring, but outside the ring, the people that work, not just the wrestlers, but the interviewers, and those involved in and around professional wrestling. He is the Ambassador of professional wrestling. Period. He makes you fall in love with wrestling. The manner in which he talks about legends, current and future stars is what professional wrestling should always be about!

[@HoldenCoughfield]

Gotta be one of the most charismatic guys in wrestling, and super articulate.

[@jasonborotra4208]

I mean he actually articulates like a normal person.

[@HoldenCoughfield]

@@jasonborotra4208 I'd say he's still above average compared to normal people. But I do agree that athletes get way too much credit for being "smart" when they're basically average at best.

[@wgvader8295]

@Jason Borotra This is cope my guy, understand people are better at articulating things more than the normal person and he's clearly doing that. If a "normal person" would do this they would studder and try to find there train of thoughts every 5 seconds

[@SuperPEACEMAKER786]

Lol hes boring

[@tyronekidd594]

@@jasonborotra4208 but he speaks so well...

[@thomastakesportspodcast]

I'm a huge fan of this guy and have been for a long time but when he came back to the WWE at Mania it felt different. I want him to succeed.

[@PrivateBlandon]

This was the first rumble I watched since becoming a full time MMA fan in 2016, it was pretty fun to watch!

[@philo2189]

It was garbage lmao

[@watcher7261]

It was good people are just mad cause rock won’t be the one dethroning reigns 😂

[@chrisr243]

@Watcher doesn't even make sense for the Rock to dethrone Roman lol

[@semyaza555]

@@pinkribbonskies5731 It's not a either/or nerd.

[@omegamasculine]

I am also full time mma fan now and only watch highlights of pro wrestling shows these days. But after sami zayn bloodline storyline and cody's return i am getting back to watch full pro wrestling shows.

[@uzi978]

I haven't been this invested in WWE since the Attitude Era.. the storytelling is next level right now.. every time you think, "what are they going to do next?" they come up with something amazing. Great job by HHH and the gang for writing cohesive, interesting storylines, Mania is going to be awesome.

[@sliickk9078]

Legit bro. Grew up in the attitude era was addicted as a kid running around telling everyone to suxk it lmao after ruthless aggression completely lost interest. AEW got me back into wrestling then HHH booking got me reinvested in WWE

[@shadycnetwork]

@@sliickk9078 I really like this interview I like a lot of Ariel's interviews. But make no mistake about it modern-day wrestling sucks. Y'all are literally praising the lowest-rated time in pro wrestling. I think the mid-nineties WWF New generation era even had higher ratings than today. anyone who follows me knows I blame all the politically correct snowflake crap. Pro wrestling is not supposed to be delicate and easily offended. It's supposed to be offensive. And yes pro wrestling is supposed to be sexy. If you really look into it the start of the ratings drop happened because WWE got rid of the sexy. Yes the average American public likes blood, violence and swearing but they also like sexy. If you really take a step back and look at it, the snowflakes are really only like 5% of the country. They just wine, cry and complain the loudest which makes the group seem bigger lol. And all of pro wrestling unfortunately is bending the knee to the snowflakes. One of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite rappers today Tom Macdonald: " we grew up on South Park and attitude era pro wrestling, how are we so easily offended?"

[@sliickk9078]

@@shadycnetwork I agree with you 100%.. everyone is to scared to offend someone and get cancelled. By no means am I saying today is as good or entertaining as when we grew up I fast forward through most of the BS on the show. All I'm saying is at least now some (even if being a small portion) is at least watchable compared to 5-10 years ago when non of it was

[@arnavguitar]

^this

[@Allexstrasza]

Makes AEW feel very empty and bleak in comparison when it comes to storytelling. They feel bloated and soulless in comparison, which is ironic, because it used to be the other way around.

[@mvunyelwakeswa8201]

This guy makes wrestling ‘not cringe’ …. Gotta love it

[@TheMessage25]

You don't even know what cringe means

[@chrismalinowski654]

Tf are you so pressed about lmao

[@mvunyelwakeswa8201]

@@TheMessage25 hahahaha sure thing buddy 😉

[@yashbspianoandcompositions1042]

Except for the fued with Anthony Ogogo and his patriotic promo he cut on Dynamite.

[@luissantos7343]

Really love the Cody interviews, so smart, humble and respectful.

[@user-em4wh5ji3w]

There’s a reason why this guy is the successor to Reigns as WWE’s face. He’s been everywhere, done everything, still quite young, and is an amazing ambassador for the wrestling world.

[@lokchucklindryfry94]

Immense respect for cody rhodes about his comments about the all out press conference. He really cares about the profession and the industry.

[@stevendiaz7633]

In the Attitude era I grew up watching wrestling. I started following Cody when he left WWE for AEW. He is a class act guy. He proves that you can put in the hard work and achieve the dream. Props to WWE for letting Cody Shine. The promo with Paul made me cry. Good look at Wrestlemania.

[@sdonagmac2293]

Cody didn’t leave WWE for AEW because AEW didn’t exist in 2016 😂😂😂

[@kris1103]

You cried at Professional Wrastling? That's erm... very passionate.

[@JaxDagger]

@@kris1103 i mean for many seeing a usually strong man shed tears during a very brutally honest conversation about someone dead they both knew so well, it is emotional and it was very very real

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

He didn't leave WWE for AEW. He left WWE for Impact, ROH, NJPW, and the indies. AEW didn't exist yet, but he is one of the reasons it does exist.

[@awholenewman155]

He speaks so well

[@dubyadubyaeee]

Kinda part of the job pal ‼️

[@Frozenheartwjlb]

One thing that shouldn't be overlooked with Cody--- Dude has mastered these media spots.

[@draconian45]

I'm glad Ariel asked Cody where he got his suits. Great question - I always wanted to know. Those suits are real nice.

[@69urmomyes71]

Cody im a true die hard MMA fan you make me watch WWE love ur work

[@da3v1ls93]

Same here

[@jimsprague7502]

Cody really is a class act! You see his interviews and you have to love the guy! So humble, and respectful and the love he shows to everyone he works with and comes in contact with is just next level.

[@nealkashya]

Cody and Drew, not just the two most inspirational guys when it comes to their wrestling journey but to anyone who is struggling with their lives, these two guys will always be the biggest inspirations that you can look up to!

[@Daewonnni]

I can listen to this guy talk all day. The booking and storylines have gotten so much better in WWE since his arrival.

[@anthonyrivera2306]

I thought I was the only one thinking that, ever since he came back on WM 38, there's a whole different aura.

[@chrisfellows650]

Since Vince stop being in charge of creative it got way better.

[@qweasdzxcname]

@@chrisfellows650 triple h screwed up LOTS of things. its not better, its pretty much the same. some good, some bad.

[@tog4867]

​@@qweasdzxcname You have got to admit that there is a lot more good than bad since Vince left... I'm not saying I don't think HHH hasn't screwed up but he has done a lot better in the last 6-8 months than what Vince has done in the last 6 years...

[@indiesongwriter5474]

I actually kind of agree as I think that The Elite, Tony and Punk were all to blame, either being too passive (Tony), too aggressive (Punk) or too passive aggressive (The Elite)

[@sayedelsherif6354]

Omg the passion in this guy's voice when he talks about his dad and what he wanted to be for all of this years. I loved you in AEW and will continue to love you in WWE not only because you're a great Wrestler but you're just an amazing human being.

[@aaronbenhaggai973]

Still couldn't believe he actually left aew to come back to wwe never thought he would be back

[@Matt-cr4vv]

I didn’t think he’d go back either. That being said, of course in hindsight, if anybody in a spot like he was in AEW was going to leave it makes sense that it was him. Again, if he wasn’t brave enough to leave the safe choice to bet on himself he’d never have left the WWE to begin with. If he was content to compromise what he thought something could be to stick to what is safe he’d have just stayed in the WWE in the role he was and continued making solid money to be in that role. So while I’m still shocked he left if it was ever going to be somebody it fits with it being him. But I also wonder how much how things were going in AEW played into the decision. I always have felt that part of his choice to leave was because AEW wasn’t going to go in the direction that he originally thought it could when it began. And what I mean by that is that I think he always kept his traditional view of wrestling and that style even when he left the WWE. Even when he went to the indies he’s always maintained his traditional style and never made the leap to the traditional indie style that the other EVPs have had for a long time. I tend to think that when things began cody thought there would be a bit of a mix between traditional wrestling and the independent modern style that the Elite tend to have. And I think eventually he realizes that wasn’t going to happen and so he left. Who knows if there’s any validity to that but that makes some sense to me. Makes more sense to me when you hear he left without any plans set to go to WWE ahead of leaving.

[@11sdownie]

He has a brain. Could see how bad AEW was and how good WWE was.

[@aaronbenhaggai973]

@11sdownie yeah thats not really true because wwe had been really bad under vince for a good 2 or 3 years where it was basically unwatchable. But he is lucky cause hhh is in charge and the product is so much better. But yeah aew was better then wwe when he was there

[@Soulpoison224]

As a huge wrestling AND mma fan, I love seeing these interviews on this channel

[@wrestling4190]

14:40-Triple Threat 24:51-All Out Fight

[@trevorflux1049]

🙏🙏

[@ChuDontKnow1147]

Thanks man

[@dynasty5053]

You a real one

[@newageassholes]

Thanks

[@stevieadams781]

I really like Cody Rhodes, I always did. A terrific performer, seemingly a brilliant man and he is so very invested into his work.

[@LoserNamedWyn]

havent really followed cody since AEW but stoked for him, seems like hes in a fantastic place rn

[@timhelton4288]

Fantastic interview!!! Actually got real and relevant answers to questions all wrestling fans have had for quite some time!

[@JHC2812]

Amazing interview Thank you Cody & Ariel

[@vlcthefish]

24:48 CM PUNK

[@stuartnarduzzo4868]

Big fan of Cody the "man". Yes he's a great wrestler but his passion and love for the business is what makes him stand out from the rest. So genuine and knowledgeable.

[@knightshousegames]

I don't know if you've ever read Amanda Huber's story about Brody Lee and what happened to him, but in that article, she talks about how she called Cody and Big E when she found out Brody wasn't gonna make it, so they could be there with Brody Jr. when he got the news, because they were his 2 favorite wrestlers. The boy wept all day, and they stayed with him for as long as he needed them. And this was I think when Cody was TNT champion (and of course an AEW EVP), and Big E might have been in his singles push, so both of them were quite busy at the time, but they took the time for that kid who needed them, no questions asked. Thats why I will always respect Cody, and Big E, as men forever.

[@TheMrDwillison]

I like this dude idgaf. I love AEW, I love WWE, but we are all on our own journey and I believe that his heart is in the right place. Seeing how his career started it’s amazing he is where he is today.

[@hotcoldman77]

From Undesirable to Undeniable! That's my motto in life. I use it everyday to better myself in all aspects of life. Thanks for the HUGE inspiration Cody... go dethrone the tribal chief

[@oddishhonor]

We are all riding our own horses

[@feiny5008]

This was one of the best interviews I've ever see n.. and I got to tell you. I am subscribing immediately and Cody Rhodes is going to be a legend by the time he's done as well

[@karanshergill2616]

My favorite WWE wrestler right now. Hopefully Cody Beats Roman at Mania. Glad he also mentioned wanting to be a role model like John Cena. Both are amazing human beings.

[@belabalogh9700]

The Rhodes vs The Authority back in the days was my favorite feud in WWE

[@preachdatruth69]

That Tag Match with the Shield was fantastic!! I think it was at Battleground.

[@choicemeatrandy6572]

"Back in the day" Lol 😆

[@Thathorrorguy12FU]

Had Cody not left and proven himself a true superstar, he definitely would not be in this special spot for his special moment at WM at this point. Cody is a great business man, and a hell of an entertainer!

[@PROPHYZ]

his dad would be so so so proud. Love Cody and his work, absolute class act and PRO.

[@Scarliner]

Ariel you are a blessing for contact sports and professional wrestling! I really enjoy all the content, your approach to things and the way you handle your interviews :)

[@Razear]

Best decision he ever made was leaving and making a name for himself with AEW after he was designated as a jobber under the Stardust gimmick. Turned him into a main event star. And I love how after Ariel offered him advice for darts after the practice shot, his accuracy just kept getting worse, lol.

[@theboss5751]

It's crazy too him leaving was what killed AEW him Punk and Tony drove it into the dirt

[@rainman42]

Damn right....how excites was every wwe fan to hearthe news, and the build up...because there's was many ppvs that said " cody could come back, he's coming back to this ppv,etc and we expected but never got him at certain ppvs so at mania it was like" oh it could be another let down, don't get too excited"....but then his music hit and even being at home,I'm sure us watching at home gave a huge pop from our living room....now he's 1 of the top guys in a handful of top guys....

[@patrickflug4605]

I liked Stardust

[@SuperChristian808]

I can't believe he went from Randy Orton nut holder to dashing Cody to stardust to quit rebrand himself to WrestleMania winner well done Cody he got that lisp under control as well just in awe of his change

[@DBuddha94]

Suit game always on point.

[@princemaverik]

I can listen to Cody talk all day this guy is the guy now and his story is unmatched next to Sami’s

[@donaldsousek9078]

Cody with a DS9 reference with deep dive about playing data. Awesome.

[@brianthegoat6451]

great content! cody’s the man! 👌🏾

[@DheroBob]

Cody is the man. I'm glad you are covering wrestling more. Very cool

[@MichaelSilverMedia]

The rematch we all need 🎯

[@chasestrickland3065]

Ariel offering advice on Cody's dart throwing technique was amazing

[@MoxyOh]

He's gonna be a great face for media for the company, he does interviews Really well.

[@justinaller4899]

Who wouldnt cry talking about there loving dad who passed away. No shame in that brotha.

[@andeeramone89]

God bless him for mentioning Brandi for helping start AEW loL

[@dixitgandhi8899]

The best Podcast, journalist in sports today and a fellow Canadian, keep up the great work Ariel!!

[@ihavetubes]

great interview

[@joos4Lyfe]

He talks so poetic and pure💯

[@tootyrnt5533]

Tbh, I’m more excited about this dart rematch than Cody vs Roman

[@25Dzone]

I really understand Cody's remarks about Ariel not being behind him as much as say Drew or Sami, Ariel does love an underdog story and I guess the reality is Cody ISN'T an underdog. Heck, if it does end up being Cody vs Roman at Wrestlemania, I'd argue he's the favourite to beat Roman and finally take down the Big Boss at the end of the game.

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

He does love Cody but yeah he definitely isn't the underdog Sami is and they're both tied as the fan favorite to beat Roman

[@adn17]

A smooth interview. Very enjoyable

[@DeeJayEX64]

Great interview.

[@RealSethLong]

What a great guy. Definitely in my Top 4 of this generation: Reigns, Cody, Seth, Jinder.

[@nostalgiafilled5180]

Jinder surprised the hell out of me what do you mean

[@greyman003]

Great chat. Well done. Easy man to like.

[@BiLLz66614]

I love that he is still so proud of what he helped build. I'm a person that just enjoys wrestling. I love aew.. I love wwe. New japan. All of it. ANd want it all to succeed. Because I cant get enough wrestling lol. So glad Cody found a place he fits. He just seemed more like a WWE guy from jump street so it makes sense honestly. And glad hes finally getting his moment. AEW have bounced back ok. and will continue to succeed going forward. They are a new company. They had their ups and downs. Its bound to happen. Lord knows wwe has had its moments too. Its part of building a big company like that. Heres to good wrestling.

[@MrWolfchamp-xi3cu]

Anyone have a timestamp for when he talks about Punk??

[@rbrendan]

24:48

[@MrWolfchamp-xi3cu]

@@rbrendan thanks

[@mitchtaylor4633]

@@rbrendan mvp of the day. Not all heroes wear capes

[@Kspoon99]

I genuinely can’t explain why Cody is my favorite wrestler he just genuinely is I can’t seem to not watch this guy I get geeked everytime the lights go down and kingdom comes on

[@ESTNation_]

The way he talks makes me feel intelligent haha, I’m such a fan of him!

[@daydreamsandnightmares9843]

I've really enjoyed any interview that Cody Rhodes does, he is so well spoken and passionate about the business. Much like his father, and he brother. Wish him the best.

[@IbrahemAlbanawi]

Love how competitve Cody Got after losing the Dart game and yes Ariel Needs to bring it to WrestleMania for a rematch

[@Red_Ring_Of_Death]

Is it any wonder WWE put him at the top immediately and he’s getting a title shot? He’s a perfect interview that stays cordial no matter what question he’s asked or who the question involves. That said… I wanted Sami to win in Montreal so badly. The bloodline build up is probably the best storyline ever told. It’s definitely on Macho/Liz/Hogan level.

[@AmandaRogersarock1988]

When Cody came back last year at Wrestlemania it was such a welcome home moment for me. I jump into WWE and catch the updates and watch the big events but man it just felt like he was in the right place again when he came back. They really made it a special moment. While I enjoyed him in AEW it just wasn't always the "fit".

[@godzilla2000ca]

What a guy

[@sithari518]

Great to hear from Cody that Bruce Prichard said something genuine that isn't utter bs

[@Neethan3247]

I am so happy for Cody. I am an AEW guy but Cody will always be the true prodigal son of All Elite and I will miss seeing him there. Hope he wins the belt soon.

[@royhiltoniii7032]

The color way of Cody's suit is straight fire! Love the tie and handkerchief off the black 🖤

[@chillycity8885]

It would be epic if they mix all of Cody’s old theme music together before the American Nightmare theme plays at Mania. That would add such an emotional edge to his Wrestlemania moment.

[@manuelmedina8880]

Man Cody is legit a cool dude

[@bingeMAFIA]

Props to Cody for the DS9 reference, one of the best TV Shows ever created.

[@ItsBobEvans]

"Sorry I'm an over-sayer" lol TK malding

[@andrejones7176]

I’m watching this late but it’s like insane to me where Cody is in his career. I watched WWE when I was younger and he was like this side character along Ted Jr now he’s a full star. That’s cool asf.

[@StephenSmith111]

This guy is great.

[@xxxjules27]

Really enjoyed the darts match at the end. Cody is awesome.

[@BEEFSERPENT]

he better win that title at wrestlemania man NOBODY deserves it more than him NOBODY

[@i.YouTuber1]

Except Sami. Triple Threat.

[@hotcoldman77]

@@i.KZbinr1 NOT going to happen dude

[@i.YouTuber1]

@@hotcoldman77 it's an opinion.

[@hotcoldman77]

@@i.KZbinr1 Not really though coz that's not the direction the story's are headed

[@mikeyt9323]

Cody's suit is on point.

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

Cody is an interviewer's dream. He is so reflective, genuine, articulate, and answers each question thoroughly and clearly.

[@bodycountplays2915]

Going to tweet you every day, one week before WM to remind you about the dart board Ariel, please record the rematch 🤣

[@93Nobody93]

Good on this comment section for being so positive!

[@stevebolender]

Cody has some impressive DS9 references in his pocket

[@redefv]

Grew up watching his old man. Heaps of respect for this guy and his family.

[@ericwilliams2980]

'Who is this Frank?' The question we all have😂

[@cfacfa9527]

Is that Nottingham Forest stickers on your laptop my dude? Shabbat shalom.

[@jspeer419]

I’ll see ya in 10 days in Grand Rapids Cody 😊can’t wait to see ya do your thing

[@iaakra26]

the deep space nine reference was on point

[@leeortiz2687]

I love that Cody is a Trekkie like me 🖖🏼

[@ericwilliams2980]

I would love to see CM Punk in the MMA show

[@StrawHatLaw13]

Totally agree on drawing the line on "They would've loved this." You're speaking on behalf of the dead at that point.

[@1325_SOCIETY]

this is the best interview ever

[@rubenfuentesiii5169]

I love these, bravo Ariel 👏🏼

[@TheOnlyDTM]

crazy how much devotion it takes to be a professional wrestler

[@johnszczerba9979]

Cody likes to talk. Great episode

[@sithari518]

Lol Ariel always gotta call someone out if they say anything slightly negative about him right off the bat. And Cody kinda did walk it back, his response didn't really make sense but oh well, that's what comes with an Ariel interview. It's usually what makes it different from the rest. I did like what Cody said about this being his target audience, the fight fans are usually more knowledgeable about the athletics part of wrestling even if WWE tends to bury that aspect by placing production and family atmosphere above all that

[@AJ-xk7yr]

Not homosexual, but Cody is so handsome

[@paulbuntine]

I love that Cody is a DS9 fan! Bringing up Bashir and O'Brien - brilliant! LL&P Cody!

[@BigRett]

Homie mentioned Dr Bashir! I havent watched wresting since the 90s, but this fella here, may bring me back. His charisma and story are incredible. And...i always have to support a trekkie.

[@MattFergusonmwfergo]

Love the DS9 reference @31:15