Cody Rhodes' 10 Best In-Ring Rivals Post-WWE
These ten elite athletes have really brought the best out of Cody over the last three years.
Despite a near-nine year run on WWE's main roster, Cody Rhodes didn't produce many standout singles matches. Sure, he had many memorable moments (including capturing the Intercontinental Championship twice) and shined as part of The Legacy and alongside his brother Goldust, but his stunning lack of above-average outings on his own led fans to believe that he didn't have what it takes to be a world champion.
Sure enough, that changed when he requested and was granted his release from WWE in May 2016. After putting out a statement saying that he had long desired to be a professional wrestler and not a "sports entertainer," it soon became clear that Rhodes was merely the latest example of someone who was better than WWE led its fans to believe.
He proved that immediately upon his arrival on the independent scene when he waged war with the likes of Chris Hero, Zack Sabre Jr. and Sami Callihan. Of course, he's had his fair share of stinkers as well, but the good has outweighed the bad and his body of work on the indies speaks for itself. He has since held gold in multiple promotions such as Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance.
Cody's best bouts in the last three years have come against the following ten talents, which should come as no surprise given the caliber of these competitors.
10. Matt Riddle
Before signing with WWE in August 2018, The King of Bros was the king of the independent scene. It was virtually impossible for him to have a bad match, so while Cody may not have been on his level, The American Nightmare was good enough that they were able to have an excellent encounter at House of Glory's Unbreakable event in October 2016.
That bout occurred mere months into Rhodes' run on the indie scene, so if anyone was going to expose him as a poser, it would have been Riddle. Sure enough, Rhodes held his own against the former UFC fighter and actually emerged victorious.
Their next encounter didn't occur until WCPW Chain Reaction in March 2017, mere months removed from Rhodes' heel turn at ROH Final Battle.
Rhodes reigned as WCPW's Internet champion for a considerable period of time and took on all challengers. Of everyone he put the gold up for grabs against, however, Riddle proved to be his toughest test on the indie scene up to that point. They once again produced a barn burner, and for the second straight time, Rhodes had his hand raised in the end.
Surely Riddle is looking for that elusive win over Rhodes but won't get it as long as they're in opposite promotions.