Amidst the culmination of the years-long storyline of The Bloodline and the rise of The Judgment Day, there’s an ongoing saga that’s as uniquely compelling.
It’s a story that stretches back decades, involving a son’s quest to reach a pinnacle his legendary father never did. It’s the story of Cody Rhodes.
Ever since Cody returned to WWE at the beginning of the year and won the Royal Rumble, a haunting phrase has been a constant in his ears: “Finish the story.” This mantra, once cryptic, was clarified by Rhodes in recent press interactions following the Money in the Bank event.
It all circles back to Dusty Rhodes, Cody’s late father, fondly remembered by fans as “The American Dream.” Dusty never won WWE’s top prize, a historical fact that has fuelled Cody’s pursuit. Despite Dusty holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, Cody desires a title his father never clinched. This isn’t merely about personal glory; it’s a son’s mission to accomplish what his father couldn’t, to write a closing chapter that the Rhodes family story lacks.
The recent unveiling of the World Heavyweight Championship title, the main belt for the flagship show, ‘Monday Night Raw,’ ignited speculation. Could this be the title that will let Cody “finish the story?” The wrestling community wondered if it would be judicious for Rhodes to claim this particular title.
Cody put to rest such conjectures during the post-Money in the Bank press conference. “I don’t want to be a downer, but no. Now, winning the World Heavyweight Championship would be outstanding. It would be amazing. It is the title on the flagship show, ‘Monday Night Raw.’ [It] absolutely matters; it is important,” said Rhodes. But he went on to clarify, “But finishing the story was always, always, about the title that my dad didn’t get.”
Despite appreciating the prestige of the World Heavyweight Championship, especially with Seth Rollins proving himself as a fighting champion, Cody firmly reiterated his unaltered endgame. “Every second it [the title] gains equity. But finishing the story was always, always, about the title that my dad didn’t get,” Rhodes reiterated.
Cody also hinted at a forthcoming documentary that would shed more light on his wrestling journey. He jested about the relentless filming he’s been subject to, mentioning that the documentary would further illustrate his commitment to “finish the story.”
At WrestleMania 39, Cody unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Despite high hopes, his challenge was quashed due to interference from Solo Sikoa, leaving his story unfinished. However, instead of being discouraged, Rhodes remains undeterred. “The World Heavyweight Championship is a whole-nother story,” he said. “It is. And again, [it’s] very special — the main title on ‘Monday Night Raw.’ I don’t look down on it in any way.”
“The American Nightmare’s” journey is far from over. With determination etched in his every word, Cody Rhodes makes it clear that his father’s unrealized dream continues to spur his quest. Despite the path being fraught with challenges, and the end goal requiring him to scale a summit no Rhodes has ever reached, Cody remains committed.
In the wrestling ring, where narratives are forged and legends are made, the saga of Cody Rhodes is one that will keep fans gripped. With his relentless pursuit to “finish the story,” one thing remains certain: until he achieves his ultimate goal, the Rhodes’ narrative remains a compelling, unfinished symphony. And we all eagerly await the final note.
But, for now, Rhodes will have to keep waiting. He might have successfully brushed off a new thorn on his side in Dominik Mysterio but Brock Lesnar’s shadow still looms over him. With a third bout still reportedly planned for SummerSlam, he’s got literally bigger things to worry about at the moment. However, the WWE has set up Roman Reigns’ downfall well, with The Usos successfully defeating The Tribal Chief and Solo Sikoa to end Money in the Bank in London.
All that’s left now is for the WWE to pick up where Cody Rhodes left off in his quest to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
