WWE's Cody Rhodes Explains Why His Career Doesn't Happen Without This Hall Of Famer

Cody Rhodes has proven his worth to WWE, quickly becoming one of the promotion's biggest current stars after originally building himself up on the independent circuit and founding AEW. Even with all his success, 'The American Nightmare' often credits those who paved the way for him, and recently put the spotlight on WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio after similarly praising the veteran years ago.

Looking back at his 2011 feud against Mysterio during an interview with James Sweetnam, Rhodes claims he had a lot of creative freedom and latitude in the rivalry. 

"I don't think he believes me, I tell him, I tell Dom, I don't think they believe me in terms of, nothing happens in my career without Rey Mysterio wanting to wrestle against me at WrestleMania in my hometown," Rhodes said, proclaiming that his career stems from that match, and praising Mysterio for being a timeless character who has always been involved in his life.

"Wrestling is always best when these organic moments happen, you know," he said, referencing the fact that his nose was legitimately broken by Mysterio. "But then, the idea of being disfigured, even when you're not disfigured, that almost body dysmorphia, and what it would do.  It was just, really, a deep place to go early in my career."

Even though he had to dig deep to pull out his 'Undashing' character, Rhodes notes that he was able to add a fun element to the character as he placed paper bags on people's heads. He then added that WWE Creative wanted him to put the bags on "ugly" audience members, but claims that he refused to do this. "That seems like assault," Rhodes expressed.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit James Sweetnam, and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.