Cody Rhodes received a hometown-style welcome in Louisville this week, but this time it wasn’t just cheers inside an arena — it was official city business.
Ahead of a packed WWE weekend in the area, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg presented Rhodes with a framed proclamation in a public ceremony shared by WWE on X.
Standing beside the mayor in a gray plaid three-piece suit, Rhodes listened as Greenberg addressed the crowd.
“We might have the Kentucky Derby,” Greenberg said. “We might have Bourbon and Beyond, Louder Than Life… but today is a big day in our city of Louisville to have you home.” He also wished Rhodes luck in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match before revealing the honor.
February 26 Officially Recognized As ‘Cody Rhodes Day’
Greenberg officially declared February 26, 2026, as “Cody Rhodes Day” throughout Louisville. The announcement drew cheers, with the mayor adding, “Let’s give it up for The American Nightmare!”
Rhodes responded warmly. He told Greenberg, “You absolutely did it up!” The mayor joked after their handshake, “That’s the closest I’ll ever get to a promo!”
The proclamation coincided with the WWE star’s public meet-and-greet at a Kroger on Beulah Church Road and his scheduled appearance on Friday Night SmackDown at the KFC Yum! Center on February 27.
Louisville holds personal significance for Rhodes. He trained at Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2006 and 2007, often describing that chapter as his “college experience.” Those developmental years helped shape the performer now chasing the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Rhodes heads into Elimination Chamber on February 28 in Chicago as a top contender for a WrestleMania 42 title shot against Drew McIntyre. For one day, however, the only title that mattered was hometown hero — and that proclamation came with no count-out.
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