What Made Cody Rhodes Story SO EPIC

Here's the story of how Cody Rhodes went from undesirable to undeniable and his 2 year chase to become the undisputed WWE champion ending Roman Reigns over 1000 day title reign.
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00:00 - INTRO
00:41 - STORIES IN WRESTLING
01:29 - DUSTY RHODES
03:01 - EARLY YEARS
04:13 - JOINING FACTIONS
04:59 - LEGACY
06:00 - DASHING CODY RHODES
07:37 - FAMILY FEUD
08:46 - GIMMICK CHANGES
09:42 - STARDUST
10:30 - FATHER'S DEATH
11:04 - LEAVING WWE
12:26 - INDEPENDENTS
14:49 - AEW
17:05 - RETURN TO WWE
18:10 - HELL IN A CELL
19:11 - WRESTLEMANIA 39
20:57 - BROCK LESNAR
22:12 - WRESTLEMANIA 40
25:19 - FINISHED STORY

[@Hains22]

Let's keep it real. Roman's title reign elevated the company out of the PG era, turned Jimmy and Jey into solo stars, produced compelling storylines at every PPV, achieved the company's highest ratings in years, rejuvenated Sami Zayn's career, and did all this while battling leukemia. A true legend!

[@ChristopherJames1993]

That reign legitimately took WWE from a "sports entertainment brand" to a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING MEGALITH. Sad it's over but all villains need a redemption arc.

[@Snotzalotz]

Copy and pasted comment 😂

[@Snotzalotz]

@@ChristopherJames1993Roman is the definition of “sports entertainment” Cody Rhodes has what’s made it feel like professional wrestling again, him, the Bucks, Omega, they all made pro wrestling relevant and incredible to watch with the stories they’d tell on the ring.. wasn’t the same match after match, they were on the road 365 days a year travelling the world as well putting on some incredible stories and wrestling matches.. that’s pro wrestling.. not a product made by the WWE to sell merch and have their cute catchphrases..

[@OllzOGloc]

@@Snotzalotzdelusional about both 🤦‍♂️ they started dropping F bombs, and racier context before Cody rejoined. The new version of WWE and finishing his story with new people behind the scenes, is what brought Cody back. He said that multiple times in multiple interviews 🤦‍♂️😂

[@rashidbinzamanshaan5841]

He truly deserves his flowers. I give him credit. He was a great world champion

[@jayrathod2995]

Roman smiled while referee counted last 3 counts, Cody cried, Michael Cole cried, Samantha cried and so did Seth Rollins, they gave 10 minutes to just Cody enjoying the moment, this moment is the greatest in all of pro-wrestling history man at least to me, I'll forever rewatch this every once in a while

[@jayrathod2995]

@@AB2343C yeah in caliber there are, but the way these folks played it out, and Roman had a looooong streak man and ate that last pin with smile and Cody took 2 years, all this just for me beats everything

[@williamstokes4967]

I think Seth was crying because he was in so much pain and he wanted to go home and get ice

[@kassiefurgason4143]

Roman was not smiling while being pinned! That's the most ridiculous comment ever.

[@yourwannaberockstar]

@@kassiefurgason4143 Oh what is this? Someone hurt your feelings?

[@kassiefurgason4143]

@@yourwannaberockstar just stating the obvious.

[@Teddy42O]

When Cody won i cried tears of joy

[@octaviocontreras2239]

Same, probably the first time I've ever cried over a championship win

[@Farianoushin777]

Me too

[@Trey9876]

It was a magical moment

[@DontBotherMate]

same how could i not. not only does cody deserve this he’s earned this that’s what made it that much more emotional

[@mr.allday]

It's fake grow up watch UFC

[@Rand0mContnt]

I hated when Cody lost at WM39, and that’s exactly what the company wanted. Twist the knife a little more, make him suffer a bit longer, he’s a Rhodes after all. It took him from over babyface to damn megastardom. Then just when it looks like he’s got it, stack the deck again, make it look like you’re screwing him even more. Have everyone practically begging for him to win. THEN he gets it. Just a complete masterclass. It felt like we finished the story with him.

[@taylorfitch626]

Dude this is articulated perfectly. Agree with you 100% The reality of the story is what’s so compelling. The father/son story hits home in many different ways for me and I’m happy to have been along for the ride. It took everything he had in him to get that belt and personally don’t think anyone deserved it more.

[@hardvegetable1598]

Seeing grown men react to this like is the greatest thing is the most pathetic thing ever

[@colt1903]

​@@hardvegetable1598 Seeing a grown man like you so incapable of basic understanding of his fellow man is what's really pathetic. Quit talking like you're above getting emotional over something you're invested in.

[@taylorfitch626]

@@hardvegetable1598 it’s entertainment nothing more nothing less. If it’s not your cup of tea then don’t watch it. If it makes you feel better to say things like that, then I’m glad I could give you something positive. Life’s tough, the world is upside down, and we all just want to find thing’s that make us happy. I hope one day you’ll realize that. Much love to you brother.

[@venomousnate7263]

Man that main event is one of the best and most cathartic main events I’ve ever seen. What a night. Here’s to The American Nightmare. 🇺🇸

[@RoudrajitSarkar]

It's the first time i ever cried while watching a wrestling match. One of the best WrestleMania Main events. And Samantha Irvin also deserves appreciation for the way she announced Cody as the winner. Well, she was also crying.

[@mr.differently-abled1418]

Was trying so hard to not cry in front of my family but man when I rewatched it this morning I did get close.

[@illuminatecomics]

It was deep, it was REAL

[@LiftandCoa]

Samantha deserves appreciation for having the most gritty, perfectly suited voice for announcing of this wrestling generation.

[@hardvegetable1598]

Cringe and trash

[@danieldonovan881]

its one of those tales that will live up there forever with Kofimania and The yes movement, idk what you will call it but i saw WM40 live and it was so wholesome and epic i shed a bloody tear i have literally followed Cody from the end of legacy to indies to Bullet Club to AEW to WWE and to see this and you put it so perfectly in this video that like the best thing he ever did was leave WWE and then later leave AEW he bet on himself he knew his worth and thats fucking inspiring man

[@ChiseledAdonis]

This is so well put together, an emotional journey of nearly 20 years inside 30 minutes. Can't beat the emotion, being inside the stadium to see him finish the story was such a surreal experience. THIS IS WHAT PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING IS ALL ABOUT

[@Tuturial464]

The question. What's the next story? Being the best he can be

[@ifyouseekay1000]

Bro I see you everywhere

[@kadharefinley224]

Cody finally finishing the story is one of the most wholesome moments in WM History. Him looking up into the heavens at father Dusty and handing his mother the title made me tear up. We are now in the era of THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE 🇺🇸

[@mdawson5581]

Dusty is one of the goats imo for all the talent he helped build over the years. Great to see Cody on top of the pile now

[@AJ-jq3hm]

Punk, Orton, and cena celebrating with him made it so goddamn special.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

What an amazing story!!! Didn't watch wrestling since the end of the attitude era. For a few months now if been watching some WWE stuff here on KZbin. Oh man, did I miss a lot! Wrestlemania 40 and especially the whole story between Cody and Reigns was unbelievable! 🤯 Cody worked his ass off over all the years! He deserved this title more than anyone else!

[@thetruej7872]

10 years ago, we had a miracle on Bourbon Street with the leader of the YES Movement, Daniel Bryan overcoming The Authority. 10 years later, we had a miracle in Philly with The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes overcoming The Bloodline finally finishing the story.

[@_vaishnavi771]

Bro i started watching wwe from 2016 is authority storyline greater than this should i watch it??

[@thetruej7872]

@@_vaishnavi771 Daniel Bryan vs The Authority was pretty good storyline

[@sibabalemdzeke]

Wrestle Mania xx main event?

[@tanishhh07]

@@_vaishnavi771 yes you should watch it

[@tommybraveaux628]

@@_vaishnavi771 it was great and all but not as great as the bloodline

[@Algo1]

What's after you finished your story? Your next one. I went in without any spoilers, just knowing the basics. Roman Reigns being Tribal Chief, Paul Heyman being the Wiseman, The Rock coming back as the Final Boss and Cody trying to finish his family's and own story. Both main events, through sheer in-ring storytelling like WWF/Es best times, filled in all the blanks. I grew up on Taker (who hasnt for the past 34 years?) and his appearance was definitely like "you may be the Final Boss for Cody to beat but This. Is. My. Yard" Call it random all you want, but even its randomness fits the character and its place in WWE.

[@nugget_music]

I agree, and see it also as Taker reminding the Rock of his origins and who made him the legend he became.

[@mycahjofficial]

*Words can’t describe how happy I am for Cody FINALLY finishing his story. I can tell people are gonna be ready to complain about it but who cares let the guy enjoy his moment. Cody truly earned it after years of reinventing himself to become the main event he was destined to be to receive his crowning moment.*

[@generalmcterror2718]

I legitimately didn’t expect to hear 3 when it did but boy was I pumped. I popped the hardest I have ever popped for a wrestling match. The only thing that rivaled the emotion I felt last night was when the Cubs won the World Series. Even if I wasn’t pulling for Cody, knowing I witnessed history. Would have still had me excited. After all the new era of WWE looks beautiful and it’s a bright future.

[@kartikchaturvedi5369]

crazy wrestlemania man , too emotional.

[@RenUker]

He finished the story in my birthday, April 7th

[@ZackMaddox-gd1zk]

what a birthday gift! 😀

[@khadijabegum2537]

You know what's so poetic ? At WrestleMania 30 Undertaker's streak ended and right a decade later at WrestleMania 40 Roman's streak ended.

[@Son_D._Bear]

Facts

[@1951hih]

And honestly, fuck Vince for ending the streak

[@EvilxAme]

To be honest, i loved Cody and him finishing his story, i was genuinely happy for him but at the same time, i felt really empty when i saw Roman walking out and hugging Paul Hayman… I am happy and sad at the same time, just empty…

[@zibbi388]

Didn't watch wrestling for like 6-7 years. The Roman Reigns and Cody story drew me back in like craaaazy. Now i love it again. Never thought i would respect Roman after 2014-2015 era

[@kylestroud1109]

We will all look back on this decades later and acknowledge this as the greatest booking/storying telling in the history of the WWE. The Cody and Romans separate stories of there rise in two different ways only for both to collide and come together and create the greatest storyline to be told. Absolute fucking cinema.

[@KuzcoYT]

Fun Fact: Dustin Rhodes was the first American Nightmare during his initial run in the WCW before he later became Goldust in the WWF (which would turn into WWE).

[@moe6702]

Hearing stories on how they kept the Stardust gimmick on him after Dusty's death is why I'm glad Vince is gone. Anyway, congrats to Cody Rhodes and I'll be remiss if I also didn't give Roman Reigns his flowers too.

[@user-kc8ix4vs7q]

THIS MAN IS NOW THE FACE OF THE FUCKING DAMN COMPANY HE LEFT IN 2016 TO BUILD HIS LEGACY. 🔥🙇‍♂️🙌 That's some STORY.

[@cesgarcia4173]

MAYBE YOU NEED TO VIEW THE RATINGS RAW VS SMACK DOWN , THEN ,,,,,,,,,

[@Bilski86]

From undesirable to un goddamn deniable is fucking a sick line well played, sir

[@LsgNyembe]

believe in yourself know your worth and fight for what u believe in

[@fupalover]

Cody story since his return is basically Rocky 1 and 2.

[@owainparry1262]

As an outsider not a current watcher of Wrestling I was looking to see what the fuss was - why it wad popping up over social media - and I think you explained that nicely- a great story condensed very well

[@thecharismaticengicm]

When that 1-2-3 hit i cannot explain that euphoria i felt. My tears literally started flowing uncontrollably. I just pray that the audience don’t turn on him. This is one of the most special stories ever.

[@AashishShresthaStudios]

This video is pure cinema. Great work!

[@achinism]

Comprehensive and well thought-out - this is one of the better videos on the finish your story saga!

[@Shayan.junior]

Cody had one hell of a story❤

[@RyanVentura604]

This video was EXCELLENT! Well done!

[@thegame346]

This is how you write stories. I have not been a fan of the WWE since about 2010. I'm going to start watching again

[@dacbiet]

His struggles and against all odds, Cody shows unrivaled perseverance

[@thebatman07]

I will always remember your great reign Roman 💖

[@mr.deadpool4224]

Haha Roman Crybaby. 54 defenses in 4 years what a fucking joke.

[@Barryy010]

these 2 years were worth the wait🔥

[@bbertgilo1574]

All I can say is, for a very long time, WM hasnt had a great climatic ending like this! It was pure cinema and truly epitomized what pro wrestling is all about!

[@NancySeward-ct3ep]

Yeah when i heard Samantha announce cody Rhodes on winning i couldn't stop crying ❤❤❤❤

[@TheSinlessAssassin]

Thank you for putting this together. I only got back into wrestling a year ago in lead up to WM39 and I connected with Cody rather quickly upon giving all these new faces a chance.

[@uriellevelupriley684]

This is a wonderful video. 5:45 Footage all these eras are beautiful to see. One main point about Dusty was he always stayed Baby face. I've literally watched all these eras. This WrestleMania main event was the best. Dusty would be proud. R.I.P long live King Cody 💯✨👑✨

[@KevinWells-lz5ut]

Cody is the man

[@JoeyP7998]

I’ll never forget seeing Legacy wrestle DX in a steel cage match live. That shit was awesome. So wild to think that Cody was just another dude that people saw as a jobber back then. Really puts things into perspective 15 years later, where Cody is now the biggest wrestler in the business. Truly an inspirational story. The kind of stuff that makes professional wrestling something I’m proud to watch.

[@marklexluthor6603]

I think that a miracle always happens in the WWE every 5 years, first in 2014 with Bryan, then in 2019 with kofi and then in 2024 with Cody, the difference is that Cody's win is the greatest moment in wrestling history and I feel that his reign at the top won't fail like the others

[@LwandaMandla-eo3io]

I have never smiled this much. This story was worth the ride

[@KingPorchoua]

Kazuki Takahashi who made Yugioh also went through the same phased as Cody Rhodes he kept trying and when he hit age 38 he would became rich and famous like Cody Rhode. It doesn’t matter what you do, never give up so you can be a famous wrestler like Cody Rhodes or a famous Author like Kazuki Takahashi

[@Venemofthe888]

Im not a Cody fan, i never have been and i probably still wont be but i think he has done so well and working on himself and making decisions not everyone will agree with. He deserves that title

[@jeremyrounds6821]

Very well done

[@lgp1905]

This video is powerful. I love Cody Rhodes.

[@nonenone7761]

Cody made the independents matter to casuals. Then his viral videos of him becoming the leader of The Bullet Club as a confident heel really helped him be over. But it was the formation of AEW from a PPV he willed into existence that really made him the top guy. He bet on himself, and boy, did it pay off. Goldust was also decades ahead of his time and deserved to be champion.

[@AdNLB]

He’s proof: whenever your path deviates against your expectations, if you truly believe in it - keep going.

[@cjsm935]

Cody is the goat..i cried so hard when he won

[@gishinaround745]

I started watching wrestling during the monday night wars and stopped around wrestlemania 20. I would come back every now and then to see what was going on after a few years and if names like cm punk or daniel bryan made their way to me I would check out their stories. But it was intellectual, the analysis of kayfabe, theatre, and how tastes can change over time. This video made me remember that it's emotional. despite all the reasons I stopped tuning in every week, this video reminded of something that i forgot. I'm a father now with a son. There is something timeless in this story, something that speaks to the core of everyone who wanted to honor the past and build something for the future

[@AntiNubDevice]

From undesirable to undeniable... Now he is undisputed.

[@maeanne5326]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 great video!!! Thanks for creating this & sharing with us!!

[@fernandoflorez8802]

Well you did it Cody you finish the story some other people think they don't believe in you but I always knew you were Champion material but I'm sure your father God Rest his soul he would be proud of you to carry that Legacy

[@jesuschavez3987]

I haven't seen wwe in years but i pop in once in a while when i saw Cody Rhodes wins thr tittle i screamed finally the Rhodes Family deserves the recognition thst family when through so much, Dusty Would be proud

[@celestialchill5892]

I have watched Cody's transformation over the years, and seeing how he's ascendeed has been a satisfying experience. Michael Cole mentioned during Wrestlemania 40 that Cody had star potential -- which he absolutely did (and does), but he's elevated to superstar level. I'd argue that he's even brighter than that -- he's a supernova now. He isn't "a" star. He is THE star. And he deserves to be at the top of the mountain. His grit, talent and charisma, as well as dedication, have shown that he has the ability to carry the entire company on his back. Not to mention, he's a genuinely kind human. Winning the championship and finishing the story couldn't have happened to a better person. I hope Cody gets to hold on to that belt for years. He damn sure deserves it. I'm so proud of him for all he's overcome. The American Nightmare has my undying respect!

[@gardenofwords914]

All of these new stories are very human and I love that

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

Now with this story arc this made me interested to watch wrestling again

[@yashkulshrestha4931]

The last line 🔥🔥

[@ashishthefoodmaniac9239]

Wrestlemania 20th was my first one, what an emotional ending it has with chris and eddie celebrating together. Wrestlemania 30th gave one of the happiest ending ever This one, it was wholesome. John cena taking on Solo That epic stare down with the rock Undertaker telling the rock you may be the boss, but this is my yard And the most beautiful peice of Storytelling, seth being the sheild wearing the sheild gear and getting the most epic payback in the history of wrestling, that chair shot was wrestling at its peak. And the finish with the dream of the dream family finally came true. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Thank you roman Thank you triple h

[@user-uh4jb7ze1c]

I'm excited to see what's next with cody I hope there will be great stories in his title reign

[@Cheseeburg]

I was there he was one of my favorites as a kid besides john cena. Cody's story started when i started watching as a kid and its amazing to see his story continue

[@BusterCarnevaleMusic]

Cody winning the belt reminded me of mankind winning the wwe title for the first time

[@Bearded_Ham75]

Dusty is my all time favorite wrestler so watching Cody get to the top of the mountain makes me happy

[@demanivaughn7177]

Dude I was there at WRESTLEMANIA and tears and cheering all night long

[@SherylAnneTBien]

I was at the office watching Day 2 of Wrestlemania yesterday and the main event between Cody and Roman is, in my book, the best Wrestlemania main event of all time. I am now 26 years old and I started watching WWE during the early years of the PG era (around 2008 or 2009). I am so glad that we are now in the new era of WWE, it feels good and many WWE stars will have their chance to shine in the spotlight with compelling storylines and they now have freedom in their promos. We should give credit to Roman, because he carried WWE during the pandemic era and now with Cody as champion, I can't wait to see what potential feuds and storylines he is going to be involved with in the next few years.

[@liviokokthi]

What makes this story so good is that is so relatable and so real. Pro Wrestling can be pretty corny some times, but when it's the perfect mix of reality and storyline you get something magical. I don't care about nostalgia or whatever, The Rhodes story to me is the best story in pro wrestling history.

[@GoriguiMonke]

Still crying 5 days after Mania. This is what people who don't watch wrestling don't get, why it's such a unique form of storytelling. It's told in real time. One day for you is one day for the wrestlers, the weight of years, decades sometimes, weigh on every storyline and makes us all invested. Cody's story feels real because IT IS REAL. We were there watching year after year. We lived the story with him.

[@benbranagan5503]

Paul levesque era💯

[@stayingalivewithsaad5351]

❤❤❤ I FELT THAT TOO !!!

[@depo_ynx]

When my whole fantasy booking with Cody happened,whole thing I predicted I was hella happy to see WWE finally is cool again and unpredictable

[@Magar-vlog123]

I didn't cry likes other but this moment was dream came true looking forward to his legacy

[@blitzwarzone342]

I was never a fan and didnt think he had it but man ever since that WM39 loss I started cheering for him amd really hoped he finished the story... the WM40 ending was perfection

[@MannyKangmangRai]

Awesome story Cody

[@lucasdotcomm]

WWE isn’t about winning fights like actual combat sports, it’s about winning hearts it seems, and that’s what drew me back to it. These guys pour everything into this

[@Thomas-zs5wt]

well i genuinly cried my eyes out more than when the goat my favourite superstar of all time retired, i cried more when cody won the title thats how emotional this was

[@montezuma0000]

I can't wait for the Super Eyepatch Wolf video on this saga

[@5thgen691]

NEVER GIVE UP

[@Snotzalotz]

It’s amazing they referenced AEW and showed pictures of the bucks and Omega, it’s a huge huge part of Cody’s career, he helped make wrestling relevant and cool again and WWE seriously needed good competition to kick them up the arse and become a better company. I’d love for the two companies to do business together, knock down the “forbidden door” and give us some incredible matches with some incredible talent. Imagine the storyline AEW VS WWE could be the alliance angle done properly this time.. ugh a man can dream for an Omega match at wrestlemania, coming down the ring with the AEW title.. IF ONLY

[@ThePrangon]

Thank you Roman for making this win feel special. Thank you Seth for being so selfless. A proud Cody Crybaby. ❤

[@taetaeheath300]

Got a new sub from this vid Love cody rhodes

[@bigbear7076]

Whole team hit it out of the park this year. Let them cook!

[@Fuyukori]

This is why i love to watch wwe 😂 since young till now

[@illuminatecomics]

Congrats to you Cody!!! Was the best ending to mania EVER 💪👍🔥💯💯💯

[@DelDaManInTheMix]

Great video

[@KiyoshiDK]

I hope there will be a movie about the story of the Rhodes family... The whole story is worth a cinematic wrap

[@DreamSoulBoi]

S/O to the writers!!! Cody, Roman, and Rock were great story pieces.

[@styve6205]

that poor table with shaq going through it....that thing just straight up exploded 🤣🤣🤣

[@AnarkeeSoundVibes]

Dusty Rhodes was my favorite in WCW for years and Cody winning the title at WrestleMania is the best way to finish his "do it for my dad" story.

[@aaronblanchette7818]

Randy was fs proud of him

[@Waisec99]

I think cody is the only wrestler i liked the same way i liked batista, no one ever came close to the animal until now

[@dafulegend5905]

I first knew Cody Rhodes as Stardust, and I always thought Stardust was a joke of a heel wrestler. Then I see now how successful he is, things change like crazy, and I never thought I’d see “Stardust” come this far.

[@King_9893]

🔥🔥🔥

[@wolfgangkirby6820]

Codys win was an emotional one . He carries his fathers legacy while building his own . He did it for dusty!

[@Villainz]

ADRENALINE, IN MY SOUL

[@Teddy42O]

Every right out of control

[@nle_floppa_07]

OUT THE CURTAIN LIGHTS GO OFF IM HOME!!

[@mrkennady]

GODS!!!! Rhodes and Sandow was SO DAMN GOOOOOD!!!!!

[@teeh.2939]

Feuds with Drew. Cm Punk, Seth, Randy, La knight, Aj styles. What a great time to be a wrestling fan!