In a surprising turn of events, Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, paid homage to his former rival Brock Lesnar during his title defense against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash: France.
The American Nightmare turned heads when he utilized Lesnar’s signature Kimura Lock on the Phenomenal One, leaving fans and critics alike wondering about the inspiration behind this move. A recent interview with Cody Rhodes has shed light on his unorthodox approach to honoring fellow wrestlers.
According to Rhodes, he has a “rule” that other wrestlers despise: if he has worked five matches with an opponent, he will incorporate one of their moves into his arsenal as a tribute. This intriguing approach was put on full display at Backlash, as Cody Rhodes employed the Kimura Lock to counter Styles’ offense. However, what’s fascinating is that Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes have only collided three times, falling short of the five-match threshold.
Fans were quick to point out this anomaly, sparking a lively debate about the significance of this move. It’s not hard to see why Cody would want to pay homage to Lesnar, given their intense feud in 2023.
The rivalry saw Lesnar using the Kimura Lock to devastating effect, breaking Cody’s arm and submitting him at Night of Champions. Cody, however, would go on to exact revenge, countering the Kimura Lock into a pin at WWE SummerSlam.
Cody’s actions have sparked a broader discussion about the nuances of professional wrestling and the mind games involved in the sport.
By using Lesnar’s move, Cody may have been attempting to assert his dominance over Styles, while also nodding to his past rivalry with The Beast Incarnate. This tactic adds a layer of complexity to Cody’s in-ring persona, showcasing his cerebral approach to competition.
As the WWE Universe looks ahead to WWE King & Queen of The Ring, fans are eagerly anticipating Cody’s next move. With Triple H taking to social media to congratulate the champion, it seems clear that Cody Rhodes is here to stay atop the mountain. One thing is certain: the WWE Championship scene has never been more intriguing, and Cody’s unpredictable tactics have set the stage for a thrilling ride.