Brock Lesnar, the most decorate athlete in combat sports, seldom gives his respect and adoration to others, and now, Cody Rhodes just earned both.
The American Nightmare became one of the few to ever pin Brock Lesnar clean twice in their careers, first at Backlash in April and now at SummerSlam, prompting a handshake, a hug, and a respectful nod from what many consider as the most dominant force in the WWE right now if not in its long and storied history.
With the win, Rhodes has now officially cleared his path towards completing his story – taking down Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
RESPECT.@BrockLesnar and @CodyRhodes shake hands following an incredible third encounter at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/7stf0mjyEC
— WWE (@WWE) August 6, 2023
In the heated world of WWE, where tensions soar high and rivals often battle with an animosity that seems to know no bounds, the epic face-off between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar was nothing short of a thrilling exception. The climax of a saga that began the night after WrestleMania 39, the Rhodes-Lesnar encounter at SummerSlam not only showcased their remarkable wrestling prowess but also the profound respect they hold for each other.
The night opened with an electrifying air of anticipation. The history between the two was real – Rhodes, known as the American Nightmare, had already locked horns with The Beast Incarnate twice. Each competitor had won once over the other, setting the stage for a nail-biting rubber match.
As the bell rang, Cody wasted no time, launching a surprise attack on Lesnar. However, Brock, in his typical powerhouse fashion, responded with a swift German suplex, declaring his dominance early. The Ford Field crowd watched as Cody’s physical disadvantage was evident from the get go, seeing him struggle to gain the upper hand despite unleashing a series of strikes and executing a suicide dive outside the ring. But each time Cody mounted an offense, Lesnar was right there, countering, showcasing his raw power by driving Cody’s shoulders into the ring’s corner and introducing him to the unforgiving landscape of Suplex City.
One couldn’t help but recall how Lesnar had laid Rhodes out in front of his family in Atlanta, or the (kayfabe) breaking of Rhodes’ arm. The recent memories of their brutal encounters painted a picture of Lesnar’s clear dominance, making it almost implausible for Rhodes to emerge victorious.
Yet, amid the relentless assault, Rhodes’ resilience shone. He took everything Lesnar threw at him, from a devastating F5 on the floor to another through the announcer’s table, and still, he beat the count. Time and again, Cody refused to stay down, a testament to his tenacity and heart. The momentum shifted when Cody, using the exposed turnbuckle and his wit, managed to land Beautiful Disaster, Cody Cutter, and a remarkable double jump Cody Cutter on Brock.
With every passing minute, the match became less about securing a win and more about the legacy that these warriors would leave behind. Brock, showcasing his expertise, trapped Cody in a Kimura lock, a move both had employed during the duel. Yet, the American Nightmare was not to be denied. He countered with a Kimura of his own and finally managed to drop Lesnar with three consecutive CrossRhodes, sealing his hard-earned victory.
But it was the moments following the pinfall that truly captured the essence of this battle. Brock Lesnar, in a rare display of reverence, extended his hand towards Cody. The two warriors, battered and bruised, shook hands.
The Beast Incarnate pulled Rhodes into a heartfelt hug, raising his opponent’s hand high, acknowledging not just the victory but the heart and spirit of the man who achieved it.
Rhodes, fresh off his critically acclaimed documentary and a defining win over Brock, remains a hot favorite to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown, with Rhodes potentially reclaiming gold.
As for Brock Lesnar, the immediate future might see him stepping away from WWE until Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia in November.
Regardless of what the future holds, the epic clash at SummerSlam will be etched in the annals of WWE history. Not just as a testament to their wrestling abilities, but as a poignant reminder that in the ruthless world of professional wrestling, respect is the ultimate accolade.
