When Cody Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 Vince McMahon was still very much at the helm.
However, a little over a month after Rhodes went down with a serious pectoral injury McMahon retired surrounded by allegations of sexual misconduct. Incredibly, McMahon was back with WWE before Rhodes returned to the ring reinstating himself to the Board of Directors on January 6th.
Vince McMahon was elected Executive Chairman just four days later.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes returned to the ring at the Royal Rumble, winning the famous match from the number 30 spot. His return has been heavily featured on television for weeks with a series of vignettes, television which is now produced by Triple H.
Cody Rhodes On Not Needing Direction From Triple H Or Vince McMahon
Speaking at the post-Royal Rumble press conference the American Nightmare explained that to a degree it doesn’t really matter who’s in charge, he’s still determined to rise to the top.
“I was very fortunate that, when I came back, I had enough experience that I didn’t always need structure and direction. You guys have seen me without a leash before. I get a little wild. It was great to have that structure, but I’ve had an unbelievable experience, an unbelievable education in wrestling. I’m not meant to do anything else,” said Cody.
“This is what I do. It was easy then when I came back, and Vince was in charge of that. It’s easy now because, the way I look at it, and I don’t mean this as braggadocious or arrogance, this is something I talked about with one of my kids at the school; if I’m the best, then it doesn’t matter who is showing me where to go and telling me what’s next. If I’m the best, my transaction is simple.
These fans pay their money, I make them feel something, and I can do that better than anybody. If I can, then it can be this person or that person. I will say I don’t want to get mushy with it, but Triple H has no reason to be a fan of mine if you really think about it.”
Rhodes went on to discuss his relationship with Triple H further, commenting on the well-publicised shots he took at The Game while with AEW.
H/t to Fightful