In a heartfelt social media post, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes paid tribute to his former rival and late AEW star, Brodie Lee. The American Nightmare’s emotional tribute came after a fan shared an edited video of their intense Dog Collar match from October 2020, which would ultimately be Lee’s final match before his tragic passing in December of that year.
Rhodes reshared the video, praising Lee’s dominant performance and acknowledging the respect he had for his opponent. He also shared that he had held onto certain mementos from that night, cherishing the memory of their brutal battle. Moreover, Rhodes expressed his admiration for Lee as a family man and competitor, showcasing the high regard in which he held his former opponent.
The two wrestlers crossed paths in AEW, where they engaged in a intense rivalry over the TNT Championship. Lee defeated Rhodes for the title in August 2020, but the American Nightmare reclaimed the belt a few months later in the aforementioned Dog Collar match. Their rivalry was marked by its intensity and brutality, with both men giving it their all in the ring.
Rhodes’ tribute to Lee is a testament to the respect and admiration he had for his opponent, even after they parted ways. The Undisputed WWE Champion’s heartfelt words are a reminder of the strong bond that forms between wrestlers who step into the ring together, and the impact that their rivalries can have on their lives.
In the midst of his WWE title reign, Rhodes has not forgotten his roots in AEW, where he and his wife, Brandi Rhodes, were key figures before their departure in 2022. His comments on the Busted Open podcast suggest that he still keeps an eye on the company, and it’s clear that the memory of Brodie Lee remains close to his heart.
As Rhodes prepares to defend his WWE Title against Logan Paul at King and Queen of the Ring 2024, his tribute to Lee serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that wrestling can have on our lives, both in and out of the ring.
