Cody Rhodes may still be going strong as the WWE Champion, but he recently revealed the seriousness of his injuries after his match with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.
The rivalry itself became one of WWE’s most talked-about storylines this year. It started as a feud based on the history between Rhodes and Orton but later became controversial because of Pat McAfee’s involvement in the storyline.
Although Rhodes managed to win the match despite McAfee’s involvement, Orton attacked him even after the bell and left him with a bloodied, swollen eye.
Cody Rhodes Said He Wrestled One Week After Entering Concussion Protocol
While appearing on ESPN’s Get Up ahead of WWE Clash in Italy, Rhodes spoke about the brutal match and the injuries he suffered afterward. Even with all the damage, he still returned to wrestle the very next week.
During the interview, Rhodes said Orton hit him with one of his most dangerous moves- the punt kick.
“Well, I am standing here with the WWE Championship still, so victorious at that, but I took his best shot when the bell had already rung, a punt to the side of the head, and left quite a mark,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes then revealed all the major injuries he suffered. But instead of complaining about the injuries, and despite entering the concussion protocol, Rhodes used them as fuel to get back in the ring.
“Well, I’m here and I’m holding the WWE Championship. So, most important thing, and all that concussion protocol and the fact that this thing was completely swollen shut, staples to the back of the head, stitches to the front of the head, I still found a way to wrestle the following week,” he said.
Rhodes then went on to praise himself for pushing through the pain.
“So, built a little different. Yeah. I’m feeling real braggadocious about it. You know, built different, gave me his best shot and I came and wrestled the next week,” he added.
Interestingly, Orton has not appeared on WWE TV since WrestleMania 42 even though Cody Rhodes was the one who took the beating.
Read more: Cody Rhodes Is Open to a WWE Heel Turn Under One Condition
