Ex-WWE Star Clears The Air With Cody Rhodes And Kevin Owens

A recent episode of Cody Rhodes’ podcast caused a stir.

Kevin Owens was the latest guest on Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast, where he discussed all things wrestling as well as his own storied career.

During the episode, the pair discussed what happens when Superstars leave the world of WWE and either return to, or head out onto the independent circuit for the first time. In the process, Owens mentioned the name of one former star who overestimated their worth and overcharged promoters, which ultimately cost them multiple bookings in the future.

Although the name was censored by WWE, many fans believed that the pair were talking about Ryback.

Naturally, the clip was then sent to the former WWE star, who responded on social media, denying any suggestion he had struggled for bookings.

I was made aware & saw the clip of @FightOwensFight & @CodyRhodes, two guys I always liked & got along with. It’s clear they were referencing me, even with the name censored.

For context: I was booked solid for 3 years straight after WWE. My rate was set by my then-manager Pat Buck (a promoter himself), and every promoter I worked with made money and got my full effort—meet & greets, matches, fan time, all of it.

What’s often left out: I walked away from a multi-million dollar WWE contract. I wasn’t fired. I needed a 5-disc fusion and full right shoulder replacement at 34. I was told not to wrestle again. I had nerve damage that risked paralysis if I continued.

I had to stop taking bookings entirely. Why? Because my doctors told me for the stem cells to work properly, I needed to stop wrestling. I also made the choice to stay home and care for my dog Sophie, who developed severe disc disease, had multiple ruptures and surgeries, and was paralyzed twice. I refused to put her down just to keep traveling and making more money—I already had what I needed.

Sophie turns 10 this November. And every second with her was worth it.

I poured everything into rebuilding my health and my brand with Feed Me More Nutrition. I’ve had 20 stem cell procedures and was blessed to regrow all 5 discs in my back. I’m now finally close to being able to return.

So yes, I do feel the comment was a low blow—especially coming from two guys I respected and spoke well of. But I’m not bitter. I’ve made peace with @WWE and let go of the past.

This isn’t a storyline. It’s real life. Survival. Growth. Perspective.

I wish Kevin a strong recovery, and I send both him and Cody nothing but love, health & continued success.

Ryback Clarifies Earlier Statement On Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens

Despite assuming that Rhodes and Owens were talking about him, the former Intercontinental Champion has now admitted that wasn’t the case. In a further post on social media, Ryback revealed that he’s spoken with Owens, and while his name was mentioned during that conversation, it wasn’t in relation to the censored ex-WWE talent.

He closed by saying that the situation should serve as a lesson about not jumping to conclusions.

I want to clarify something from my recent post regarding the clip with @FightOwensFight and @CodyRhodes.

After speaking with Kevin, he confirmed the person referenced in that specific comment wasn’t me. My name did come up in another part of the conversation, but not in that clip.

I jumped to conclusions based on the name being censored and Cody mentioning working shows with the guy. Since I haven’t been publicly mentioned much in years, I assumed it was about me — and I was wrong.

I appreciate Kevin for the honest conversation. We always got along, and I’ve always respected both him and Cody. This is a reminder to ask before assuming, and I’m grateful the post brought awareness to my story regardless, as a lot has been misunderstood in the past.

Much love to you both. 👊

During the same conversation with Rhodes, Kevin Owens confirmed that he’ll finally undergo neck surgery in mid-July. Owens explained that doctors wanted to wait to see how well his spinal cord would heal on its own before they tried to repair the damage to his neck.

Despite his desire to do so, Owens has repeatedly admitted that there’s no guarantee that he’ll ever return to the ring.