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Cody Rhodes Regrets One Highly Controversial Storyline
about 1 year agoUS
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, currently active on the Road to WrestleMania and set to kick off this week's SmackDown in London, recently reflected on his time in AEW, expressing regret over a specific, highly controversial storyline from 2021. This piece, compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data, explores the details of that storyline and Rhodes' current perspective.
Key Insights
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Regret Over AEW Feud:: Cody Rhodes stated he regrets "almost everything" about his 2021 AEW feud with Anthony Ogogo.
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Controversial Promo:: The feud involved a nationalistic angle (USA vs. UK) culminating in a promo by Rhodes on May 12, 2021, that was widely criticized as 'tone-deaf' and insensitive, particularly given the US socio-political climate at the time.
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Rhodes' Defense:: While regretting the overall storyline, Rhodes defended the promo's intentions but acknowledged the poor optics and word choice, stating, "a white guy talking about race relations, who has an American flag tattoo on his neck, I can see why people would use the terms 'tone deaf'."
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Why this matters:: This provides insight into Rhodes' self-awareness regarding past creative decisions and how sensitive topics like nationalism and race relations can be perceived in wrestling storylines, impacting both fan reception and a wrestler's image.
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Current Status:: Despite past controversies, Rhodes remains a top star, currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship and featuring prominently on WWE programming.
In-Depth Analysis
The USA vs. UK Feud in AEW
During his tenure with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Cody Rhodes was involved in numerous high-profile storylines. However, his 2021 program leading into Double or Nothing against Anthony Ogogo stands out for its controversial nature. AEW framed the feud as a battle between nations, pitting Rhodes (representing the USA) against Ogogo (representing the UK).
The Infamous Promo
The peak of the controversy stemmed from a promo Rhodes delivered on the May 12, 2021, episode of "AEW Dynamite." In it, Rhodes passionately spoke about American privileges and values, referencing his pride in expecting a biracial daughter. The reaction from fans and pundits was swift and largely negative. Critics labelled the promo nationalistic, out of touch, and poorly timed, considering the ongoing political and racial tensions in the United States. It was widely perceived as 'tone-deaf.'
Rhodes' Reflection
Speaking recently to "Barstool Sports," Rhodes expressed significant regret over the storyline, admitting he wished he could forget "almost everything" about the rivalry with Ogogo. He maintained that his intentions behind the promo were good, but he now understands the criticism. He specifically acknowledged the problematic optics of his positionality when delivering such a message, highlighting the difficulty in navigating sensitive themes effectively within a wrestling narrative.
Current WWE Run
This reflection comes as Rhodes enjoys a career resurgence in WWE as the Undisputed WWE Champion. He is currently involved in major storylines on the Road to WrestleMania and is scheduled to open this Friday's SmackDown broadcast from London.
FAQs
What was the specific storyline Cody Rhodes regrets?
He regrets his 2021 AEW feud with Anthony Ogogo, which was framed as a USA vs. UK rivalry and featured a controversial patriotic promo.
Why was the promo controversial?
It was criticized for being nationalistic, out of touch, and 'tone-deaf,' especially given the socio-political climate in the US regarding race relations and politics at the time.
What is Cody Rhodes doing now?
Cody Rhodes is the current Undisputed WWE Champion and is set to kick off the upcoming episode of SmackDown in London.
Key Takeaways
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Even top stars reflect on and regret past creative decisions.
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Storylines involving sensitive topics like nationalism and race require careful handling to avoid negative reception.
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Fan and critic feedback can significantly impact how storylines and characters are perceived.
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Rhodes' ability to acknowledge past missteps while succeeding in his current role demonstrates career resilience.
Discussion
What are your thoughts on wrestlers incorporating real-world politics or social issues into their storylines? Do you think this trend will last? Let us know!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources & References
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