The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral muscle prior to WWE pay-per-view Hell in a Cell.
He was scheduled to wrestle Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match but after the seriousness of his injury, it was highly unlikely that he would be able to compete. However, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion insisted on having the match and ended up delivering a memorable performance on the night.
Rhodes is currently recuperating after undergoing surgery. He had some great news coming his way as fans voted his WWE return at WrestleMania 38 as the ESPY Award winner for Best WWE Moment of 2022.
The former AEW Superstar began his rivalry with Rollins at WrestleMania 38. Rhodes defeated Rollins in a match for the ages. They would go back and forth over the next few months until Rhodes got injured. Rhodes even had three consecutive PPV victories over The Visionary.
The WWE Universe welcomed Rhodes back to the company with open arms. His popularity was on a different level altogether and it has not dipped whatsoever now that he is ruled out of action for nine months. However, the injured superstar has said he has his own return date in mind.
The 37-year-old Cody Rhodes appeared at Dolby Theatre in Los Angles, CA with his wife Brandi Rhodes on Wednesday night to receive the award.
He edged out three other final nominees to win the coveted prize – The Undertaker getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin stunning Vince McMahon, Austin Theory, and Pat McAfee at WrestleMania 38, and Big E cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase to win the WWE Championship.
The winner was decided by the votes from fans and Rhodes did not forget to thank everyone who voted for him. Rhodes posted a video on his Instagram handle thanking his fans and in the caption, he wrote:
“Thank you to the fans, this ride we are going on continues to be the best! @espn #espys”
After winning the award, Rhodes gave an exclusive interview to WWE.com.
It’s very stirring,” Rhodes said while describing his reaction to the win. “I was excited to be nominated, and it was a significant moment for me. It [coming back to WWE] is the best decision I’ve ever made in my wrestling career, but I’m nominated with guys like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker, so to be the one who is taking home the WWE Moment of the Year feels good.”
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