Cody Rhodes Was Ready To Retire After Heartbreaking WWE Backstage Moment

Cody Rhodes is currently one of the top babyfaces in WWE, but there was a time he wanted to quit the pro-wrestling industry.

The American Nightmare made his WWE debut in 2007 and worked with the company till 2016. Following that, he had brief stints in the independent circuit, IMPACT Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and AEW.

Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022 and was the one to finally dethrone Roman Reigns as the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40.

Cody Rhodes revealed when he wanted to quit

Nikki Bella and Cody Rhodes had a conversation on What Do You Want To Talk About? With Cody Rhodes. During the conversation, the former Undisputed WWE Champion recalled the time when Team Bella and Team Rhodes Scholars vs.Tons of Funk (Clay and Tensai) and The Funkadactyls at WrestleMania 29 was cancelled.

The American Nightmare revealed that he was ready to quit the industry, get his degree, and become an amateur wrestling coach.

Around the time we got cut at WrestleMania and around the time Stardust popped up, I was going to get my degree so that in the public system in Georgia, I could be an amateur wrestling coach. I had completely given up on entertainment, on ever making it. I thought I had done everything right. I was very pity party, feel sorry for myself, all those things. Couldn’t get a look, left or right.

However, he continued to work in the squared circle, and his journey pushed him to the top of the ladder! Currently, he is scheduled to take on John Cena at SummerSlam 2025 for the Undisputed WWE Championship.