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Scripted, not fake.
That’s the way to accurately describe pro wrestling.
And WWE star Cody Rhodes was reminded of that in a brutal way on Saturday night at the annual Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
Rhodes, who is the son of WWE Hall of Fame member Dusty Rhodes, won the event in 2023 and was looking to become the first back-to-back winner since Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997 and 1998.
But late in the match, it looked like an injury may well take that chance away from Rhodes, regardless of what was planned.
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Rhodes to a “Claymore” kick to the face from fellow star Drew McIntyre. But unfortunately, McIntyre made a little more impact with Rhodes’ face than was intended.
The impact knocked on of Rhodes’ teeth out, and the tooth could then be seen lying on the mat next to Rhodes, who had a dazed look on his face.
But pro wrestlers, like hockey players, are tough.
Not only did Rhodes continue the match, but he went on to win yet again. He tossed returning star CM Punk over the top rope for the final elimination of the match.
Punk made his first televised WWE match appearance after leaving the company 10 years prior.
Cody Rhodes To Main Event WrestleMania Despite Royal Rumble Injury
Rhodes, meanwhile, will now main event WrestleMania against Roman Reigns for the second year running. That comes after he, like Punk, returned to the company following a prolonged absence.
“I feel like everyone knew that, right? I’m very glad he decided to take the sky box seat. It could make it really clear where we’re at,” Rhodes said of taking on Reigns in the post-event press conference. “All due respect in the world to Seth Rollins. That title gains more prestige every single day, but Wrestlemania 39 did happen. If you’re me, you can’t look at that and you can’t run from it. I want to be back in the ring with Roman Reigns and I want to finish the story. I detest the statement now because, apparently, everyone has a story. Punk wanted a story, Drew has a story, everyone has a story. A big part for me, I’m very big on keeping my word. If I say something silly on TV, but it’s a promise, I intend to keep the promise. I don’t know if two times is the charm with Roman, we’ll see.”
WrestleMania 40 will be held on April 6 at 7 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.