Even the fiercest rivalries can find common ground. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently revealed a rare off-screen exchange with Roman Reigns, sharing a message that highlighted the magnitude of WWE’s new partnership with ESPN.
While promoting the inaugural Wrestlepalooza on ESPN, Rhodes reflected on the company’s move to a major sports platform. It was in this context that Reigns, despite rarely speaking with him outside the ring, offered words that struck a chord.
“We don’t talk a lot, but he said something to me that really stuck out with me and it’s very sincere,” Rhodes explained. “It’s that WWE and pro-wrestling in general going to such a big platform like ESPN, it’s really everything that our dads ever worked for… They did it all, and then we get to revel in this wonderful success – so we better bring it.” (h/t WrestleTalk)
The sentiment is notable given the history between the two. Rhodes and Reigns spent nearly two years at the center of one of WWE’s defining rivalries, headlining consecutive WrestleManias in matches that shaped the modern main event scene.
With Reigns not scheduled for this Saturday’s event, Rhodes now turns his attention elsewhere. The champion returned on SmackDown last week to confront Drew McIntyre, setting up their Undisputed WWE Championship clash at Wrestlepalooza.