The Cody Rhodes who debuted with WWE in July 2007 was a completely different character to the one that returned to the company in 2022.
During his early run on Monday Night Raw, Rhodes teamed with Hardcore Holly before joining forces with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr as part of Legacy a year later. Although the star went on to win the Intercontinental Championship on two occasions and capture tag team gold, he never hit the heights he believed he was fully capable of.
After a spell as Stardust this frustration came to a head in 2016 as he asked for his release. His request was granted a day later on May 17th. Upon leaving WWE, Rhodes reinvented himself. The star wrestled across the independent scene and appeared for Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling before helping found All Elite Wrestling in 2019.
Rene Dupree Claims Cody Rhodes Was “Entitled”
Speaking on a recent episode of his Cafe de Rene podcast, former WWE star Rene Dupree reflected on his time spent with Rhodes when the American Nightmare first arrived on Raw. Dupree suggested that the star was entitled and pointed to his lack of experience.
“I remember Cody Rhodes one time spotted off like yeah second generation guys don’t get along and I’m thinking what the f**k do you know about that. My days with Cody were different with other people because when I first met him like, entitled? like a hundred and f**king percent right… He got hired, no experience, no nothing, he was 21, he was trying to be an actor in Hollywood.”
Dupree then recalled an incident where he introduced himself to Rhodes and offered to help him, but the young star appeared to take offence.
“Hey man, nice to meet you. Hey man, you’re just starting out, I’ll help you out any way I can. I sincerely meant it but it’s almost like he took offense to it like you don’t even have a match, I don’t give a s**t who your daddy is,”
Cody Rhodes is currently out of action after undergoing surgery to repair a serious pectoral injury. However, it has recently been reported that Rhodes’ recovery is a “little ahead of schedule.”
H/t to Sportskeeda