Cody Rhodes' Legacy-Defining Match Showcases Best, Worst Side Of Pro Wrestling

Cody Rhodes' bombastic return to WWE during WrestleMania 38 Night 2 was enough to send shivers down the spines of fans because it was as if the prodigal son had returned.

Putting him in a program with a talented performer and all-around safe-worker in Seth Rollins was also the ideal move for him as it ensured that he was in a high-profile feud from the get-go.

Two pay-per-view matches later and fans were set to be treated to a high-octane blow-off match at Hell in a Cell 2022 this past Sunday, June 5.

However, it was confirmed by WWE a few hours ahead of the show that Rhodes had suffered a torn pectoral muscle, but he was still set to compete at the event.

Many theorized that Rhodes’ injury was a work in order to generate even more interest in the match, but as soon as the “American Nightmare” removed his jacket, it soon became apparent that it was not a work at all.

A hush fell throughout the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois as soon as the gravity of Rhodes' injury was bared to them and those watching at home, with the sight of his purple-colored chest enough to make them question the former All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star's sanity about performing.

With Rollins being a dastardly and cunning heel, he repeatedly targeted Rhodes' injury and the viewers were understandably cringing at how the latter was able to keep performing at that level despite the muscle tear.

It seemed as if the match was heading towards a 10-minute squash because of the injury, but the match and its intensity would only continue to rise.

Featuring tables, steel steps, kendo sticks, a bull rope, and a sledgehammer, both performers put their hearts on their sleeves to close out the event with much excitement.

Rhodes would go on to win the match after hitting Rollins with two Cross Rhodes and a sledgehammer to the face, mercifully ending the bout after 24 minutes of non-stop action.

He later confirmed that it was solely his decision to soldier through the injury and put on one of the best matches in WWE and in his long career.

Pro wrestling fans would have understood had Rhodes pulled out from the card, but with the muscle being completely torn off from the bone, damaging it further would have been impossible and the only obstacle then was his pain tolerance as was explained by YouTube doctor Brian Sutterer.

Rhodes greatly increased the interest for this relatively low-stakes match between him and Rollins as he had already two wins during their feud, with this third being a foregone conclusion in his favor.

If few doubted his commitment to WWE after making his return, Rhodes’ performance at Hell in a Cell 2022 should put all of those doubts to rest.

Pro wrestling is about as dangerous as combat sports despite the premeditated outcomes, and the lengths that these performers will go through to put on a show for the fans deserve a ton of respect across the board.