Arn Anderson Reflects On Dusty Rhodes’ Confidence In Cody Rhodes’ “It” Factor In WWE

WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson reflected on the late Dusty Rhodes’ steadfast belief in his son Cody Rhodes’ potential to shine as a top talent in professional wrestling.

Speaking on Busted Open, Arn Anderson shared an anecdote highlighting Dusty’s early recognition of Cody’s star quality during his initial run in WWE. Recalling their conversations, Anderson revealed:

He told me when they first pulled him up and they put him with Ted DiBiase Jr. and stuff, Dusty would tell me, when I would see him, I’d look at him and I’d go, ‘He’s had him on a loop drain this week, he’s doing good and everything.’ He would look at me with no fear and go, ‘He’s got it, the kid’s got it.’

Dusty’s conviction, Anderson noted, wasn’t about seeking reassurance but about a genuine belief in Cody’s talent.

He knew Cody had what it took to work on top in this business.

Fast forward to today, Cody Rhodes has proven his father’s confidence right, rising to the pinnacle of wrestling as the Undisputed WWE Champion. However, Anderson also touched on the hurdles faced by second-generation wrestlers like Cody, acknowledging the extra pressure and scrutiny they endure due to their lineage.

In this business, you have to do a lot extra, you gotta be a harder worker, you gotta strive to be a better worker. And if you’re second-generation, you’re gonna come in with baggage, because most guys will be thinking you got a free ride.

Who Did Arn Anderson Say Is The Best Second-Generation Wrestler Of All Time?

Arn Anderson spoke about who he thinks is amongst the top second-generation wrestlers of all time and said that both Rhodes brothers, Cody and Dustin are at the top of his list. Anderson also named Brad Armstrong and Randy Orton on his list and specifically pointed out that Orton’s father, Cowboy Bob Orton Jr., was one of his reasons for getting into the wrestling business.

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