On Sunday night, Cody Rhodes finally finished his story by defeating longstanding WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
Cody won the world title that had eluded his dad, the late legend Dusty Rhodes, in Madison Square Garden in 1978. He achieved a lifelong dream for himself, his family, and the fans.
And WWE officials wanted to commemorate the occasion in a special way.
During the WrestleMania 40 press conference, Rhodes revealed that WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H, his assistant Bruce Prichard, and WWE President Nick Khan gave him something special of particular historical significance.
A Priceless Show of Appreciation by WWE for Cody Rhodes
“I came to the back, and Bruce Prichard and Triple H and Nick Khan handed me this,” Rhodes said, showing the gold watch on his wrist.
What he said next was touching. “Which is the same watch my dad had pawned so I could go to acting school,” Rhodes finished.
Cody’s dad was at a low point financially during the time he was describing. But obviously did what he could for his kids.
Cody continued, “So, with the level of investment and responsibility that the company put in my hands, I hope I can pay it back, pay it forward 100 times over.”
His Story is Not Over
Dusty Rhodes passed away in 2015 due to kidney failure. Rhodes the younger was asked during the Q&A portion of the press conference what he would say to his dad if he could after his big win on Sunday.
Cody said he would have told him that he hoped he lived up to the family name.
After his match, Cody was joined by his family including his mother, along with many WWE wrestlers, who all held the champ up and congratulated him on his major victory.
Rhodes also emphasized that becoming world champ meant he had finished a chapter in his story.
But the story goes on.
