2024 began off with a bang for WWE stars Cody Rhodes and Bayley, as each performers gained their respective Royal Rumble matches in January. Sitting down collectively for an interview on the primary installment of “What Do You Wanna Discuss About?,” the 2 champions seemed again on this yr’s Royal Rumble, with Rhodes mentioning that, earlier than any controversy involving The Rock, Rhodes was at odds with CM Punk, which affected his mindset heading into the occasion.
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“I had been pitted towards Punk on the go-up in the direction of the Rumble, and finally WrestleMania.” Cody stated. “Punk is as scorching as he is ever been. Punk is beloved.”
Forward of the Rumble in January, Rhodes and Punk got here face-to-face on an episode of “WWE Uncooked,” with the 2 males discussing Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes, in addition to their respective paths to WWE WrestleMania 40. Rhodes later went on to win the Royal Rumble with Punk as probably the most credible menace, however Rhodes believes he gained the respect of the gang over the course of the battle royale.
“Within the match, there was this basic 50-50ish [feeling] that slowly went to 60-40, slowly went to 70-30 in my favor,” Rhodes acknowledged. “I assumed, ‘Oh, okay. That is the best way. We’re all in on this collectively. Okay, nice.'”
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Rhodes referred to as his second consecutive Royal Rumble victory a “good second” for his profession. The Undisputed WWE Champion then stated it could have felt dangerous leaving the sector had he gained towards the needs of the followers, however happily the gang stayed behind him by the evening, and all through the whole WrestleMania season.
Following their interactions earlier this yr, Rhodes and Punk have since briefly reunited, discovering themselves on the identical aspect this time round. Final month on an episode of “WWE SmackDown,” Punk assisted Rhodes in his ongoing wrestle towards The Bloodline.
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