Cody Rhodes believes John Cena’s final WWE run could end up being remembered for something much bigger than wins, losses or championships. In Cody’s eyes, Cena spent an entire year doing everything he could to elevate other wrestlers instead of choosing just one person to pass the torch to.
Speaking to Andrew Schulz, Cody discussed the difference between simply losing to another wrestler and truly putting that person over. Cody described it as the difference between “doing the job” and “doing the honors,” with the latter involving an established star doing everything possible to make the moment belong to the wrestler they’re elevating.
When Schulz asked who had done that particularly well, Cena was the first name Cody brought up. He believes Cena’s final run stands out because he didn’t just pick one wrestler to help on his way out.
“I think John probably will go down because he spent an entire year doing the honors. He didn’t just pick one.”
Schulz pointed out that Cena essentially took a bet on several different wrestlers during that run. Cody agreed, stressing that Cena did much more than simply agree to take a loss and move on.
“Yeah, he took a bet on a few, you know. He definitely did more than just doing the favor.”
For Cody, that’s the big difference between simply “doing the job” and actually giving someone the full spotlight. He believes Cena understood exactly how to make those moments matter for the wrestlers he was working with.
“It was — he did the honors, and that’s the way you want to do it.”
Cena wasn’t the only veteran Cody gave credit to. When Schulz asked for other examples of wrestlers who knew how to give back, Cody quickly pointed toward Triple H and The Undertaker.
“Oh man, I mean, you mentioned Triple H. Triple H is a great example. Gosh, all — probably all your faves. The Undertaker.”
Cody also admitted there’s naturally some selfishness involved when it comes to eventually giving up a spot. Wrestlers can spend years fighting to reach a certain level, so he understands why they might not exactly be eager to let it go.
“Yeah. Great. You know, like, you know, and sometimes there’s a selfishness to it as well because you go so long until it’s time.”
Schulz then brought up wrestlers who have historically been accused of not wanting to step aside, using Hulk Hogan as an example. Cody didn’t single Hogan out with his response and instead suggested that almost every wrestler has some difficulty letting go.
“I’d say 99.9% of wrestlers perhaps don’t want to let go. And it’s when you have—”
Cody didn’t get to finish that thought because Schulz quickly took things in another direction by bringing up Bret Hart and the Montreal Screwjob. Once Wrestling with Shadows entered the conversation, Cody wanted absolutely no part of reopening that debate.
“I am not going to get into Wrestling with Shadows with you, but you know what?”
Cody’s larger point was that truly putting someone over involves a lot more than simply losing a match. That’s why Cena stands out so much to him — Cody believes his final run was an extended effort to give several wrestlers something meaningful rather than making his farewell all about himself.
What do you think about Cody Rhodes saying that “99.9%” of wrestlers don’t want to let go of their spot? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
