After Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022, he quickly went on another hiatus for seven months to recover from a torn pectoral muscle. The crowd cheered as they saw him return to Royal Rumble 2023 and win the match. The wrestler was able to grab the prestigious victory at the first PLE of the year. His return was a lot down to his determination and the work of two NXT stars, who helped him train during his rehabilitation.

For this, Carmelo Hayes and Joe Gacy deserve partial credit as they helped him train again after his severely torn pectoral muscle.

NXT superstar loved helping Cody Rhodes

While talking to Chris Van Vliet during his podcast, Hayes was asked about his experience working with Cody Rhodes. Since the NXT star also shed some light on the same topic in The American Nightmare’s documentary, he already knew what he was going to say to Vliet. Hayes played a key role in preparing Rhodes for his return as he was one of the two stars who trained with him as he prepared for the big comeback.

While recalling his documentary statement, Hayes said, “It was a huge honor. And like I said in his documentary, I didn’t feel like I was helping him, it was like he was helping me.”

Helping the 38-year-old helped Hayes realize how experienced wrestlers do things. This also added to his learning of the sport and in-ring character; something that he feels grateful for.

Perhaps the former NXT superstar gives himself less credit than what he deserves. Because after all, if it wasn’t for his training period with Cody Rhodes, the former AEW star might not have been able to find the same confidence within him to return with such a bang.

Cody Rhodes’ impeccable WWE return

Out of all the times that The American Nightmare has made his wrestling returns, his current WWE run could be deemed as the best time for him. His return match was at the first PLE of the year 2023. Even upon this return, he secured an honorable and clean victory.

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A couple of months later, Rhodes secured the main event match at WrestleMania 39. Even though he lost the match, his career run in WWE so far wouldn’t be considered ‘monotonous’ by most WWE fans. This is because the promotion is still able to inculcate the momentum he gained upon his return, into interesting storylines.

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What are your thoughts about Cody Rhodes’ current WWE run?