While Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes have shared a strong on-screen dynamic on SmackDown, tensions appeared to surface recently when Zayn confronted Rhodes for taking his spot in the Elimination Chamber match after pinning an injured Zayn on the show. Although their in-ring promo hinted at growing friction between the two, it appears there is no real-life tension behind the scenes. In fact, ‘The American Nightmare’ had nothing but praise for the former Intercontinental Champion.
During a recent appearance on Graps the Podcast by Complex, Rhodes spoke about Zayn’s impact on him, explaining how the Canadian helped broaden his perspective and encouraged him to view the wrestling business from a different point of view.
Cody Rhodes Reveals The Secret Behind Sami Zayn’s In-Ring Genius
During the podcast, Cody Rhodes revealed how Sami Zayn has influenced his opinion, and instead of being selfish, Rhodes revealed how he has started to look at things from a business perspective, which might benefit everyone.
He stated, “Sami is legit magical, and I feel like I watch moments, you know, wrestlers are all ‘everything revolves around me. Lately, I’ve looked at it from the perspective of ‘I wonder if I was planning this show, what would I do, who would I like, who can I count on?”
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The WWE champion also talked about how Zayn can handle any crowd whatsoever and has a certain magic in his in-ring skills, making him a true icon to watch. “He’s special. The way he wrestles his matches, and even when a crowd is a little subdued, or if they’re red hot. Sami, he’s very good”.
Cody Rhodes Predicts WrestleMania 42 Will Shatter Every Record
As the Undisputed WWE championship holder prepares to defend his newly won title against his former mentor, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes believes this year’s edition could become one of the biggest in the event’s history.
Rhodes pointed to the stacked lineup, highlighting potential main events such as CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns and his own clash with Orton. He also noted other high-profile matches, including Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan, as examples of the depth on the card.
According to Rhodes, the overall lineup could deliver one of the strongest bell-to-bell WrestleMania shows of all time.
He stated, “The other matches that are coming together; Stephanie and Liv, what it clearly looks like Jacob might be doing, you mentioned earlier, Sami, I think you’re looking at a bell-to-bell Mania, the best it’s been”.
Cody Rhodes says WWE WrestleMania 42 might be 'bell to bell' the best WrestleMania ever:
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) March 11, 2026
"This year, the matches, we had our main event with CM Punk and Roman Reigns, and now we just got to myself vs. Randy Orton as the other main event at WrestleMania.
"The other matches that… pic.twitter.com/nfoPEM8llV
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Although it might not be the best, ‘The American Nightmare’ remained optimistic, stating that the show might be one of the better ones, stating, “Bell to bell, I think they’re gonna get one of the better Manias, if not the best Mania of all time“.
While the buildup so far, for the show might not be the best it could be, fans are also optimistic and are hoping to see a great card next month and are looking forward to witnessing the grandest stage of them all once again.
