8 Things We Learned From Cody Rhodes On Stephanie McMahon's WWE Show
WWE recognises WCW but gives AEW another cold shoulder when chatting Cody Rhodes.
It's surely no coincidence that Stephanie McMahon picked two of WWE's biggest comeback stories for the first couple of 'Stephanie's Places' episodes on ESPN. Last time, Steph chatted with CM Punk about his improved relationship with her husband Triple H and his general thoughts when returning to the company with which he made his name. Here, she caught up with reigning WWE poster boy Cody Rhodes.
This second episode was an improvement on the first for several reasons.
Firstly, Cody is a pro wrestling traditionalist, so the interview took place in rather cool surroundings that meant a lot to his life and eventual career. Second, Rhodes was present throughout the entire show, and he almost acted like a co-host next to McMahon. Third, the same emotion that pinned down Steph's talk with Punk was here. In fact, there was arguably even more emotion to their conversation due to familiar topics like family.
It's a real compliment to the producers and to Stephanie herself that they managed to get through so much context in just 25 minutes of pure screen time. Throughout, Rhodes showed why Triple H continues to show faith in him as the ideal representative for the promotion as current WWE Champion. The man just carries himself like a total pro, but there's a touching human side to Cody that resonates with people too.
Deep down, he's a fan just like you, and that goes a long way. Here's everything learned from an episode Cody's biggest supporters should endeavour to see. No pun intended with the endeavour stuff. Honest!
8. Cody Visited Center Stage For A Reason
The episode didn't waste any time. Straight away, Stephanie asked Cody how it felt to be standing in Atlanta’s old WCW Center Stage studio with the WWE Championship. Knowing what the host was digging for, Rhodes said it sort of felt like he wasn’t supposed to be there, because no reigning WWE Champion ever had, but he also feels like it’s right. In short, it's yet another ‘finish the story’ moment for Cody.
That kind of answer just shows why he’s such a good representative for the company. Sentimental traditions mean a lot to Rhodes, but he's able to frame them in such a way that they never feel put on or forced. At the same time, he was able to give Steph what she wanted (some acknowledgement that the WWF/WWE was once unwelcome at Center Stage) without senselessly burying anybody.
What a pro, man.
Cody watched his father’s work at Center Stage as a kid. The venue is where he fell in love with wrestling when sitting on for WCW Saturday Night tapings, so it was only fitting that this episode of Stephanie's Places found him reminiscing. Whomever made this call, whether it was Cody, Stephanie, a WWE staffer or one of ESPN's producers, deserves a pat on the back for it.
Center Stage was lit perfectly, and there's just something right about Rhodes honouring his father's old stomping ground whilst holding WWE's richest prize. This is the sort of thing Cody will be glad he did once he retires from the ring. It was an inspired decision to host the episode in Atlanta.