When Cody Rhodes made his shocking comeback at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event after a month-long absence, wrestling fans weren’t the only ones taking notes. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray delivered a detailed breakdown of “The American Nightmare’s” in-ring performance on Busted Open Radio, offering both praise and constructive criticism for Rhodes’ striking techniques during his surprise intervention.
The Perfect Storm: Rhodes’ Heroic Return
The scene was set for chaos when John Cena crossed the line during Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship defense against Logan Paul. With the 16-time world champion pulling the referee from the ring and unleashing a vicious assault on Uso, the WWE Universe needed a hero.
Enter Cody Rhodes, who sprinted to the ring and immediately turned the tide with a devastating Cross Rhodes to Cena. But it was what happened next that caught the attention of wrestling’s most respected analysts.
Expert Analysis: The Good, The Bad, and The Realistic
When Punches Tell a Story
Bully Ray couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for Rhodes’ initial striking sequence during his radio appearance. The veteran’s analysis went beyond simple technique, diving into the psychology behind effective wrestling punches.
“Love the way Cody hit the ring, obviously in his American Nightmare windbreaker. Tiny little thing that I loved — Cody’s punches. Cody’s punches when he hit the ring were on point. Those are great pro wrestling punches.”
Ray’s praise extended to the authenticity of Rhodes’ striking form. The Hall of Famer painted a vivid picture to illustrate his point about realistic execution.
“If somebody were to say something disparagingly about Brandi [Rhodes] in a bar, that’s the way Cody Rhodes would have punched somebody in the face. Thus, that’s the way he was punching when he hit the ring.”
The Move That Missed the Mark
However, not every element of Rhodes’ offensive sequence earned Bully Ray’s approval. The veteran took specific issue with one particular strike that he believes undermines the realism of Rhodes’ arsenal.
“If I’m Cody Rhodes, I’m getting rid of that drop down punch. I understand there was a part of Dustin [Rhodes’] repertoire back in the day. I understand Cody adopted it, [but] the drop down punch doesn’t get you anywhere. In a real-deal fight, it would never happen.”
Ray’s suggestion for improvement was straightforward and impactful. Rather than incorporating moves that sacrifice believability, he advocated for a more direct approach that would enhance Rhodes’ overall presentation.
“I would just like to see more fists flying from Cody.”
Mission Accomplished: Setting Up Money in the Bank
Rhodes’ intervention proved successful on multiple levels. With Cena neutralized, Jey Uso capitalized on the opportunity by connecting with his signature spear and Frog Splash combination on Logan Paul. The returning referee counted the decisive pinfall, securing Uso’s championship retention.
The segment concluded with Rhodes helping the World Heavyweight Champion to his feet before issuing a challenge that has major implications for WWE’s upcoming premium live event. The newly formed alliance called out both Cena and Paul for a tag team showdown at Money in the Bank on June 7.
The Bigger Picture: Technical Excellence in Sports Entertainment
Bully Ray’s detailed analysis highlights a crucial aspect of modern professional wrestling that often goes unnoticed by casual viewers. The difference between good and great performers often lies in these subtle technical details that enhance the overall storytelling experience.
Rhodes’ return to Saturday Night’s Main Event served multiple purposes – reestablishing his presence on television, advancing storylines toward Money in the Bank, and showcasing the kind of technical proficiency that separates main event talent from the rest of the roster. But will “The American Nightmare” take Bully Ray’s advice to heart and refine his striking game before stepping into the ring with Cena and Paul?
