Shawn Spears has high praise for Cody Rhodes.
Spears was involved in a feud with Rhodes in the early days of All Elite Wrestling, memorably attacking The American Nightmare with a chairshot to the head that left him in a pool of blood.
Although Rhodes has long since left AEW and is now firmly established as one of the top names in WWE, Spears still has nothing but good things to say about his former rival.
While discussing the impressive career of MJF on VIBE 105 Sports, the ‘Perfect 10’ noted that the current World Champion has been in the ring with some of the best, including Rhodes, who he regards as “the biggest star on the planet today.”
“[MJF’s] exactly that, he’s a performer. He understands this industry, grasps onto things a lot faster than most, and he has been in the ring or under the wing of a lot of our industry’s top talent.
“I believe it was Cody who brought him in, Cody Rhodes brought him to AEW way back when, so you’re under the wing of arguably the biggest star on the planet today.”
Spears says that Friedman’s matches and rivalries since arriving in AEW have been a “crash course” in becoming a megastar and he thinks The Salt Of The Earth will only strive for bigger things.
“You go from there to Chris Jericho. Then blood feuds with guys like CM Punk and going an hour with Bryan Danielson, you’re getting a top-notch, first-class, crash course in how to be a megastar. He has received it well, he’s understood it well, he continues to try to improve week to week.
“I know Max very well, both in front of the scenes and behind the scenes. I’m pretty confident in saying that, even though he’s the World Champion, it’s not enough. He won’t rely on just being the World Champion. He’s going to aim high and go bigger.
“That’s just how he’s molded and operates. I dare say, I wish a lot of people across the board, talent-wise, would work that hard.”
Cody Rhodes has brought another member of The Nightmare Family to WWE
Since Rhodes arrived in WWE, many have wondered who else might join him from his days in AEW. One beloved member of his family has now made an appearance, his dog, Pharoah.
Arguably the most famous dog in wrestling today, Pharoah was backstage with the star as he prepared to face Damian Priest. His presence may have brought Rhodes some luck, as he was able to overcome Priest on the latest episode of Raw.
Who's a good boy?
It's PHARAOH!#WWERawpic.twitter.com/aCszto5P6A— WWE (@WWE) June 27, 2023
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.