Cody Rhodes recently revisited the story behind his WrestleMania 27 match with Rey Mysterio in the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast — and revealed there was a brief stretch where he thought the opportunity had slipped through his fingers.
During a conversation about the bout, Rhodes explained that Dean Malenko first relayed the surprising news to him during a TV taping: Rey Mysterio had chosen him as his WrestleMania opponent. At the time, Rhodes was deep into his “Dashing” persona on SmackDown and carving out his own lane.
After hearing the pitch, Rhodes approached Mysterio directly. The exchange was simple and positive.
“You wanna go in?” Rhodes recalled Mysterio asking. They agreed it could be a strong program, and the former AEW star told him he would write up ideas and call him.
Then came silence.
How Rey Mysterio’s Silence Led to a WrestleMania Turning Point for Cody Rhodes
“For the next five days… nothing,” Rhodes said, noting he texted Mysterio but received no response. Another week passed without contact, leaving him wondering whether plans had changed. In wrestling, creative can pivot faster than a springboard moonsault, and Rhodes knew that all too well.
Still, he prepared a full WrestleMania outline — printed, laminated, and ready — just in case.
The unexpected breakthrough came outside Vince McMahon’s office. Rey Mysterio invited Cody Rhodes in, then told Vince he wanted to wrestle him at WrestleMania. When Vince asked if Rhodes had ideas, he pulled the presentation from his backpack. “Okay, we’ll do it,” Vince responded.
The match at WrestleMania 27 on April 3, 2011 ended with Rhodes defeating Mysterio after striking him with his own knee brace — a callback to the injury that sparked their feud. Mysterio entered in Captain America-inspired gear, while Rhodes’ masked villain persona took a major step forward.
Looking back, Rhodes called the feud a “core moment” that changed his life, crediting Mysterio for opening the first real door for him on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
READ MORE: WWE’s Cody Rhodes Thanks Rey Mysterio For Life-Changing WrestleMania Feud
