Kevin Owens Reveals Key Role in Cody Rhodes’ Success on the Independent Scene Before WWE Return

WWE star Kevin Owens recently opened up about his long-standing friendship with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, expressing pride in seeing Rhodes receive the recognition he deserves. At WWE Bash in Berlin, Rhodes successfully defended his title against Owens in a match that highlighted the deep bond between the two.

The story leading up to their bout focused on their friendship, which began during their early days in WWE and continued even through Rhodes’ time away from the company, following his departure in 2016. During that period, Owens played a key role in helping Cody navigate the independent wrestling scene.

In an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, Owens shared how he reached out to The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) after Cody’s WWE exit, ensuring that Rhodes had the right connections to thrive in the independent circuit.

“Cody left in 2016, and it sucked,” Owens said. “It sucked to lose my friend. I really wanted him to have the best possible introduction to the independent scene because he had never been around and never done that. He had been in the WWE system for so long. The independent scene is a whole different ballgame from the WWE. I just guided him in the right direction and put him in touch with people.”

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Owens knew that the Young Bucks would be a great fit, and the connection helped Cody get a platform to showcase his abilities outside of WWE.

“He knew what he was capable of, and he really wanted to show people what he already saw in himself,” Owens added. “He succeeded. That’s an understatement. It’s great to see him get all of his flowers and see the position he’s in now.”

Following their match at Bash In Berlin, Rhodes and Owens shared a respectful moment, shaking hands and hugging, confirming their friendship remained as strong as ever.

Looking ahead, Cody Rhodes is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship once again, this time against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa in a Steel Cage Match on the September 13 season premiere of WWE SmackDown.

What do you think of Kevin Owens’ comments on Cody’s journey? And how do you see the rivalry between Rhodes and The Bloodline unfolding? Let us know in the comments below!