WWE had been airing hype videos for the return of Cody Rhodes for several weeks before he made his return at the Royal Rumble.
Rhodes, who was sidelined after wrestling Seth Rollins in the main event of the Hell in a Cell premium live event last June, was heavily rumored to return at this show. However, instead of keeping it a surprise return, WWE announced it in advance after airing the hype videos.
Jeremy Borash, who worked for TNA/Impact Wrestling for several years before joining WWE, was in charge of the hype videos.
While speaking with Inside the Ropes, Rhodes was asked about the decision to make the announcement in advance and who came up with the idea. It was a Triple H idea.
Rhodes started out by stating, “Obviously, I’m not in charge of anything here. I’m a man on the roster and want to be the top man, but in the case of the video packages, vignettes, and build-up…I think it’s an okay thing to share. That was Triple H’s idea and the team around him. WWE is always super anonymous in terms of the team, but I have to shout out Colleen, JB (Jeremy Borash), Adam Panucci, and Ben Williams. These guys put these videos together because my situation is unique in the sense that I do not play a character.”
Rhodes continued, “I don’t even think I’m one of those turned up to 11. I am me, always, and that’s a little scary. That’s intimidating if you’re saying, ‘He’s coming back at the Royal Rumble.’ ‘I’m coming back at the Royal Rumble and everybody needs to get off the mountain’ or whatever it is that I said. You’re putting yourself in a situation where you best deliver, and I thought that they covered my journey in such a real way.”
Rhodes talked about how it’s risky when you call your shot and gave examples of people like Joe Namath and Babe Rush as doing so in the past to win something.
“I’m not saying I’m those individuals, but again, in our world, Triple H called his shot. It’s very important to me to keep your word with the fans, especially now. As I’ve gotten older, keeping your word, and I felt like I kept my word. I showed up in the best shape of my freaking life, and I was able to get it done,” Rhodes stated.
Rhodes also talked about having AEW’s Ricky Starks backstage at the Royal Rumble and more. Click below for the entire interview:
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Inside The Ropes with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
