Cody Rhodes Had Anticipated a Different Scenario, Moments Before Brock Lesnar’s Unplanned Shocking Gesture

Poised at 1-1, there was a lot riding on the encounter between Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. The Ford Field audience evidently displayed their support of Rhodes, who was the underdog going into the ‘rubber match’. But after its end, Rhodes joined a very elite group of pro wrestlers who have beaten The Beast twice. While the match in itself was loaded with enough action to keep the fans on the edge of their seats, what followed after it ended was equally dramatic. Lesnar’s gesture admittedly took aback the American Nightmare.

He shared his feelings in a chat with Sports Illustrated after the match.

Cody Rhodes almost had a déjà vu moment as Brock Lesnar took his gloves off

The third bout between Rhodes and Lesnar was undoubtedly the best in their rivalry. After the 46-year-old snapped and attacked Rhodes at the RAW after ‘Mania episode in April, they fought in back-to-back PLEs- WWE Backlash and Night of Champions- both in the month of May.

While Lesnar didn’t play a part at Money in the Bank, he took on Rhodes at the August 5 PLE. After going on for over 17 minutes, Rhodes finally emerged as the winner as he hit Lesnar with three back-to-back Cross Rhodes. Following the loss, Lesnar threw his gloves off and slowly started to move towards Rhodes, who looked unsure about it.

But surprising everyone and breaking character, Lesnar gave Rhodes a hug and even raised his arm as the crowd cheered the duo. Speaking about the moment, Rhodes said he thought Lesnar wanted to have another go. “Then we went head-to-head, and it felt like we were a millisecond away from starting up again. So I didn’t anticipate that handshake coming,” the 2023 Royal Rumble winner said.

Had Lesnar started swinging, it would have brought back memories from the brutal RAW episode from April 3. Instead, The Beast Incarnate gained a lot of respect for his gesture. “When I saw his hand, I was grateful. That’s not something he does,” Rhodes said.

ALSO READ: Cody Rhodes Claims Brock Lesnar Reminded Him of His Father: “I’m Very Grateful”

While Lesnar’s future in the WWE is uncertain as of now, one can assume that Rhodes is on the path to bigger things. It also will need him to rekindle a rivalry.

Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes rematch at WrestleMania 40 looks more certain than ever

Like Rhodes, Roman Reigns also won his match at SummerSlam. However, The Tribal Chief wasn’t an underdog in his match against Jey Uso. It needed the former Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion to play out of his skin, which he did but was hit by a betrayal from his own twin, Jimmy Uso.

With both Reigns and Rhodes winning their respective bouts, they could be on the path to starting their rivalry, which culminated in a loss for The Prince of Pro Wrestling at WrestleMania 39 in April of this year.

But it will have to wait. Reigns is likely to take a leave from the promotion, as they have not advertised him for upcoming events from the promotion, including their tour to India in September. On the other hand, Rhodes, after conquering The Conqueror, would have legitimized and bolstered his claim for Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

WrestleMania 40 is still eight months away, scheduled for April 6 and 7 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Once The Big Dog is back, the promotion is likely to engage the two for a feud culminating in a title match at the said marquee event. But for now, let us wait and see what happens in the next few weeks.

Watch This Story: Brock Lesnar And Cody Rhodes Set A Vital Precondition Ahead Of SummerSlam Showdown