Cody Rhodes became the latest WWE star to run the Hot Ones gauntlet, as he sat down with Sean Evans to discuss his father, Dusty, obscure wrestling lingo, and a few stories from his wrestling vault.
The American Nightmare emerged relatively unscathed from the famous chicken wing challenge, following in the footsteps of Mick Foley, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Becky Lynch. In any form of wrestling interview, a predictable but always interesting question for any wrestler is their Mount Rushmore. However, Evans put a minor twist on the tried and tested query.
“If you were to put together the ultimate pro wrestler, Mr. Potato Head style,” started Evans. “Whose look, whose mic skills, whose in-ring style, and whose finishing move?”
Rhodes, perspiring slightly at this point, took a moment to absorb the question. He then made a highly unexpected choice for the ideal-looking professional wrestler. The nature of the former WWE Champion’s pick suggests that there could be bigger and better things for the Superstar heading forward.
“Look, I’m gonna make a super controversial choice,” began Rhodes. “Right now, you’re going to hear the collective groan of wrestling social media and the IWC. Look, I’m going with a young guy: Austin Theory. When you check the box of ‘Oh, he looks great. We could teach him.”
The 2022 Money in the Bank winner’s opportunities have been limited since WWE moved to Netflix earlier this year. Theory is reportedly sidelined with a legitimate injury, as revealed by his now former tag team partner, Grayson Waller, on WWE Raw this week. A timeline for Theory’s layoff hasn’t been given, nor any indication as to any potential future storylines.
Still just 27, Austin Theory has plenty of potential and room to grow in WWE. A two-time US Champion and Elimination Chamber winner, Theory already has a CV that many wrestlers would be proud of. And his inclusion in Rhodes’ ultimate wrestling Frankenstein’s Monster speaks volumes about the impression he’s already made at the company.
Who else did Cody Rhodes pick for his ‘Mr. Potato Head’ pro wrestler?
For the ultimate trash talker or wrestling thespian, Rhodes picked both his SummerSlam opponent John Cena and Hall of Famer Paul Heyman. The American Nightmare also named Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart as the finest technical wrestler. But when deciding on his ultimate finishing move, Rhodes was again torn between two WWE legends.
“Finishing move. I’d say it’s probably a toss-up between the Stone Cold Stunner and Hogan’s Leg Drop,” decided Rhodes.
Following his passing last week at the age of 71, Hulk Hogan remains fresh in the minds of everyone related to WWE and professional wrestling. Rhodes received praise following Hogan’s passing, as he paid tribute to the Hulkster on the first WWE SmackDown since his death. While respectful of Hogan’s peerless influence, Rhodes also referenced his controversial behavior and history in his speech.
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