Image via The Tonight Show/YouTube

Cody Rhodes He recently gave an emotional account of his professional wrestling life on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The topic of discussion was a heartwarming picture of Cody and his mother in the ring with the WWE Championship Belt that was the result of years of hard work and a lifelong ambition instilled by his famous father Dusty Rhodes.
When Fallon asked Cody to explain the significance of the moment, Rhodes delved into a story steeped in family history. “That track, way back in 1978, just down the street, Madison Square Garden” (1:30) Cody began. “My dad came here and fought ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham and he won the fight. But due to the nature of professional wrestling and sports entertainment, it was a count-out. He couldn’t leave with that.” This pivotal event in Dusty Rhodes’ career had a profound impact on Cody as a child. “When I was eight years old, I didn’t fully understand the suspension of disbelief about what we do, what is and what isn’t. I just wanted it.” Cody admitted.

Image via The Tonight Show/YouTube

It took decades for Cody to achieve what his father couldn’t, and the moment was made even more special by sharing it with his mother. Cody described them as follows: “She’s, you know, so pretty, but I’d say a mean little Cuban…you couldn’t ask for a better mother, but she’s not easily impressed.” (2:10) He continued: “She raised a wrestler. She was married to a wrestler. She doesn’t wear boots or tights, but she’s a wrestler herself.” Cody’s respect and admiration for his mother was evident as he chose to share his victory with her “ultimate highlight.”
Cody reminisced about his childhood and talked about a framed photo of his father with the championship belt. “That’s how I knew my father cared because he had done so many things” (2:35) Cody said. When he asked his father about the photo, Dusty explained that he didn’t leave with the title that night. Cody said this realization was the catalyst for his life’s goal: “That’s it. That is my goal. That’s it.”(2:50)
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The WrestleMania triumph was more than just a career turning point for Cody; it was the realization of a family tradition. The touching story he shared with Fallon and the audience demonstrated the strength of love, tenacity, and the relationships that shape our desires. Cody’s journey and his tribute to his father and mother continue to delight fans around the world.