Cody Rhodes’ Mother Was Worried for Him a Night Before Dusty Rhodes’ WWE HOF Induction: “That Was the First Time”

In 2007, Cody Rhodes made his main roster debut after spending a year in WWE’s developmental territory, OVW. The same year, while  Rhodes was still green, he had the honor of inducting his father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes, into the Hall of Fame class of 2007. While Rhodes’ speech said a lot, his mother was solicitous about him. 

Although The American Nightmare is now a well-established superstar with a slew of young fans, his mic skills drawing special praise. But he was not always as influential and powerful as he is today. In fact, his mother was worried about his Hall of Fame speech for his father. 

Why was Cody Rhodes’ mother worried about his Hall of Fame speech for Dusty Rhodes?

Dusty Rhodes was one of the most revered personalities in pro wrestling. WWE commemorated the storied career of The American Dream in 2007. Rhodes’ career was celebrated for his charisma as a wrestler and influence as a promoter. His induction into the Hall of Fame had to be special because Rhodes was a charismatic, talented, and creative personality all rolled into one.  

And so, the honors of his Hall of Fame induction went to his two sons, Dustin Rhodes and Cody Rhodes. Dustin was already well-known for his on-screen character Goldust at the time. However, Cody Rhodes was only 21 years old. While speaking on WWE’s The American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes Documentary, his mother confessed that she was genuinely worried for Rhodes as he had no experience speaking in public. 

She said, “I was really worried about Cody’s speech because he was 21 and that was the first time that he spoke publicly, and to speak publicly for the first time to such a huge audience.”

Cody, despite being a newcomer and having little experience on the mic, conveyed admiration for his father through his speech. He was also proud to carry on the Rhodes family legacy. 

Fast forward to the present day, The American Nightmare is the ultimate babyface of the company. His fairy-tale return to WWE in 2022 earned him a slew of followers who take his losses very seriously. His defeat at WrestleMania 39 against Roman Reigns caused an uproar. 

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Although Cody Rhodes did not finish the story at WrestleMania 39, he has set out to achieve his dream. Something that his father never accomplished. 

Despite being a popular wrestling icon, Dusty Rhodes never won a World Title in WWE

Although Cody Rhodes has held World Championships twice in promotions like ROH and NWA, he has never won the World Title in WWE, much like his father. 

Dusty Rhodes, who is a multi-time US Champion and Tag Team Champion, never had the honor to win the WWE Championship. Make no mistake, the late great wrestling legend made enormous contributions to the business. However, winning a traditional World Championship was a wish unfulfilled. 

Winning the WWE Championship in WWE for Cody Rhodes would be an emotional moment. For fans of the American Dream, it will be almost as if Dusty Rhodes won the Championship vicariously through his son. 

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What are your thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ mother being concerned about his Hall of Fame speech for Dusty Rhodes? Comment below!