Matt Cardona (formerly known as Zack Ryder in WWE) stated that Cody Rhodes’ injury at Hell in a Cell 2022 was a blessing in disguise for him. Because of this moment, The American Nightmare won the hearts of all and became the latest babyface in WWE.
After six years, he returned to World Wrestling Entertainment in 2022 at WrestleMania 38 and jumped from rival company AEW. Rhodes’ return to WWE was highly anticipated and he was introduced as Seth “Freakin” Rollins’ mystery opponent on the biggest stage of them all.
An incredible rivalry was created between Visionary and Cody Rhodes in the Hell in a Cell premium live event. At the Premium Live event, the former TNT champion, despite a torn pectoral injury, faced off against his challenger.
Former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona was chatting with Bill Apter at the Sportskeeda Wrestling Awards. He named Cody babyface of the year due to his two massive comebacks in 12 months.
“I’m going with Cody (Rhodes). I mean, he’s coming back to WrestleMania. Was it a surprise? Maybe not, but sometimes in wrestling, you need to give the fans what they want, and the fans knew he was coming.” . , and they were happy for his return. And unfortunately, he fell and was left out of Hell in a Cell. But I think it was almost a blessing in disguise because this guy had two comebacks in one calendar year,” Cardona said. [7:57 – 8:19]
Watch the full video below:
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Matt Cardona said fans make Cody Rhodes the babyface of the year
Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes faced off in a three-part match. After WrestleMania 38, The Visionary and The American Nightmare faced each other at WrestleMania BackLash and Hell in a Cell. The latter had triumphant wins over the former WWE Champion in all three bouts.
After Hell in a Cell, the former AEW star once again went on hiatus due to injury. However, Cody returned to the 2023 Royal Rumble to finish his “story” and earned him a ticket to WrestleMania 39 by winning the rumble.
During the same conversation in sportskeeda wrestlingMatt Cardona declared that the fans are the real reason why Rhodes is the best babyface of the year.
“You know, go back to WrestleMania, go back to Royal Rumble and now hopefully win the big one and finish the story at WrestleMania this year. Cody and the fans are definitely behind it. You can’t deny that; merchandise sales will they show, and the crowd response shows it. So I’m proud of Cody.” [8:20 – 8:38]
Cody Rhodes is now set to face Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at WrestleMania this year. It remains to be seen if Rhodes will end the story of him dethroning Reigns.
What do you think of Cardona’s comments about Cody Rhodes being the babyface of the year? Sound off in the comments section below.
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Follow Former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona hereand you can follow his action figure podcast here.
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