Cody Rhodes has achieved some extraordinary milestones in the professional wrestling world since making his grand return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. His journey has been filled with dramatic matches, captivating storylines, and an array of accolades that have elevated him to a new level in WWE.
One of the standout moments in Rhodes’ career was his participation in a five-star Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins. What made this match particularly remarkable was that Rhodes was wrestling with a torn-up pec, a testament to his resilience and commitment to the craft.
Moreover, Rhodes achieved what many thought was impossible when he ended Roman Reigns’ legendary world championship reign during the main event of WrestleMania 40. This historic win marked his third WWE Undisputed Championship, an achievement that seemed far-fetched when he initially left the company in 2016.
Despite his successes, Rhodes, even with his impressive resume, has admitted that he doesn’t always feel “cool” around his peers in the locker room, especially when comparing himself to younger wrestlers like Dominik Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio: The Charisma That Makes Rhodes Feel “Uncool”
Rhodes himself has acknowledged that Dominik Mysterio, the son of legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio, often makes him feel less “cool” at times. Mysterio, known for his strong charisma and larger-than-life personality, has become a significant figure in WWE. His relationship with Rhea Ripley has captured the imagination of fans, propelling him to new heights in the wrestling world.
In an interview, Rhodes shared his admiration for Mysterio’s effortless charisma: “Dom is like the one guy at work that I feel not cool around. I’ll have a new watch or something and I’ll be like, ‘Hey Dom,’ and he’s got a giant Sky-Dweller on, which is a very nice fancy watch. He just oozes charisma.” This simple anecdote highlights the impact Mysterio has on those around him, even someone as seasoned as Cody Rhodes.
Despite his relatively short time in WWE, Mysterio has left an indelible mark with his unique style and confident persona, making him a major player in the company.
Rhodes’ Respect for Mysterio’s Journey in WWE
While Cody Rhodes has become a seasoned veteran in WWE, he never loses sight of the struggles other wrestlers face. When reflecting on Mysterio’s rise to success, Rhodes praised the challenges that the young wrestler overcame to establish himself in WWE.
Mysterio’s debut against Seth Rollins in a major premium live event (PLE) was a standout moment, as he took part in a 22-minute Street Fight. This match was the longest of the night, showcasing Mysterio’s early ability to handle the pressure of performing on a big stage.
“I also love the fact that Dom is training backwards. He knows psychology, he knows how to engage with fans, a live crowd. But the fundamentals have come after all of that, which is a little bit of how I was trained.”
—–Cody Rhodes—–
But the fundamentals have come after all of that, which is a little bit of how I was trained.” Rhodes draws a parallel between his own experience and Mysterio’s, where building rapport with the audience often takes precedence over mastering the basics early on.
Mysterio’s Achievements and Growth as a Superstar
Even though Dominik Mysterio is still in the early stages of his wrestling career, his accomplishments have been impressive. He is a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, a two-time NXT North American Champion, and a one-time tag team champion alongside his father, Rey Mysterio. Despite these successes, Mysterio is still young, which leaves room for him to grow and evolve further as a performer in WWE.
Additionally, Mysterio has maintained his reign as the AAA Mega Champion. He successfully defended the title in a thrilling No Disqualification match against El Hijo De Vikingo at AAA’s Rey de Reyes event on March 14. This victory underscores Mysterio’s standing as one of the brightest young stars in wrestling, with the potential for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE has been a captivating journey, filled with record-breaking moments, thrilling matches, and significant championships. However, his admiration for younger talents like Dominik Mysterio showcases his respect for the next generation of wrestlers.
Rhodes recognizes Mysterio’s natural charisma, his growth in the industry, and the unique challenges he’s faced along the way. As Mysterio continues to climb the ranks in WWE, the future looks incredibly bright for him, and Rhodes will no doubt continue to inspire and motivate him, as well as other young talents in the locker room.
