In the world of professional wrestling, unexpected interactions often lead to memorable stories. One such anecdote involves Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and boxing legend Mike Tyson. Their backstage encounter in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has recently come to light, showcasing a blend of humor and the unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry.

Mike Tyson, renowned for his formidable boxing career, has made several appearances in the wrestling world, notably with AEW between 2020 and 2021. Cody Rhodes, a pivotal figure in the founding of AEW during the period, shared a particularly amusing experience involving Tyson during the Double or Nothing show in 2020, recalling the strange interaction that occurred behind the scenes. What was that? Let’s find out.

A Humorous Backstage Encounter with Mike Tyson

Recently, Cody Rhodes appeared on Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer’s podcast 2 Bears 1 Cave. During the podcast appearance, Cody Rhodes recalled the incident when Tyson was at the AEW as a presenter for the TNT Championship. While backstage, in the locker room, as wrestlers were preparing for their performances by oiling up to enhance their physique under the bright stage lights, Tyson observed the practice and assumed it was a standard routine for everyone involved—including presenters. “He saw everyone oiling up and asked me, ‘Do I need oil?'” recounted the 13-time WWE champion.

Caught in this humorous misunderstanding, Tyson decided to participate in what he believed was a customary ritual. According to Rhodes, Tyson approached him, handed him a bottle of oil, and requested assistance. “Then he took his shirt off,” Rhodes recalled. “Now, mind you, Mike didn’t even need to take his shirt off for this. He’s standing there, no belt on his jeans, shirtless, and looking at me. This is one of the greatest fighters of all time, someone I truly respect, and he hands me the bottle and says, ‘You do it.’”

Understanding the unique opportunity to interact with one of his heroes, Rhodes obliged, helping Mike Tyson oil up despite it being entirely unnecessary for his role as a presenter. The situation was both humorous and surreal for Cody Rhodes. And right after the oiling process, Tyson immediately put his shirt back on, leaving Rhodes stumped. Reflecting on the incident, Cody Rhodes said, “The weird part was when he threw his shirt back on right after. I couldn’t help but think, ‘What was the point?’ I think he did take his shirt off at some point later, but yeah—I oiled up Mike Tyson. I always felt good about that decision. Dude wanted to oil up!”

Adding more to the conversation, Cody Rhodes revealed on the same podcast that WWE is now poised to reach its largest audience yet with the Netflix debut of its flagship show, WWE Raw, on January 6.

WWE’s Cody Rhodes on Connecting with Netflix’s Global Audience as “Raw” Premieres

With access to the streaming platform’s 282 million subscribers, WWE aims to attract new viewers and convert them into dedicated fans. “From the pro wrestler’s standpoint, I always go out there with the idea that they’ve never seen me before,” the WWE Undisputed Champion said. He emphasized the importance of making an immediate and authentic connection with first-time viewers, especially given the increasing sophistication of modern audiences.

Moreover, Rhodes acknowledged the challenge of standing out in today’s entertainment landscape, contrasting the more polished, authentic approach required now with wrestling’s “carny” roots of the past. “You can’t be cheap. You have to actually be someone authentic that they like, and then hopefully they stay on board,” he explained.

Talking more about the show, he explained, that the January 6 Raw broadcast on Netflix will feature major matchups, including Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa and CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins. To build anticipation, WWE will also release several archival shows on Netflix starting January 1, expanding its reach well ahead of the premiere.

So, what do you think about this new update? And what are your thoughts on the Cody Rhodes-Mike Tyson story? Share your thoughts below!