Cody Rhodes and the Wrestling Saga Initiated by His Father, Dusty Rhodes
To comprehend the profound significance of WWE Survivor Series: WarGames in Cody Rhodes’ narrative, we embark on a journey rooted in the legacy of his late father, the iconic ‘American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes.
The Genesis of WarGames: A Cinematic Spark
Dusty Rhodes, a revered WWE Hall of Famer, etched his name in wrestling history. Despite not clinching a WWE world championship, his indelible mark comes through the invention of WarGames. Inspired by a cage fight scene in ‘Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome,’ Dusty envisioned a two-ring cage match, adding a unique twist to the conventional wrestling narrative.
WarGames Emerges: Breaking the Mold
In 1987, NWA’s Jim Crocket Promotions brought Dusty’s vision to life. The inaugural WarGames match, featuring Dusty himself, marked the onset of a revolutionary concept. Unlike traditional cage matches, WarGames introduced a pre-assembled cage suspended above the ring, setting a new standard in wrestling storytelling.
Dusty Rhodes’ WarGames Legacy
Dusty actively participated in 11 victorious WarGames matches, solidifying his position among the top 5 wrestlers with the most appearances in this innovative bout. As WCW took the reins from Jim Crocket Promotions, WarGames remained an annual spectacle until WWE acquired WCW in 2001.
Post Dusty’s demise in 2015, WWE resurrected WarGames in 2017, making it an annual tribute to the wrestling luminary. WarGames became a canvas for wrestling promotions to weave intricate storylines, either concluding feuds or initiating new chapters, aligning with WWE’s narrative direction.
Now, Cody Rhodes stands at the threshold of a pivotal moment in his wrestling journey – his first-ever WarGames match. The stage is set for Rhodes, alongside Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and Seth Rollins, to clash with Drew McIntyre and The Judgment Day members Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio.
In a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s “Busted Open” radio show, Rhodes articulated the profound significance of participating in his maiden WarGames match. The anticipation is palpable as he reflects on Dusty’s creation, expressing, “I really want to almost wax poetic about it in terms of how it’s Dusty’s and it was his creation… So, to be able to do this is great.”
While destiny might have a world championship in store for Rhodes, the inaugural WarGames marks a crucial stepping stone. Last year’s WrestleMania 39 seemed poised for his championship coronation, yet the narrative unfolds, and Rhodes remains on the quest for that elusive world championship.
In the realm of professional wrestling, where stories are etched in blood, sweat, and ambition, Cody Rhodes is poised to inscribe his name into the annals of WarGames, the legacy crafted by his visionary father. As the ringside drama unfolds, the wrestling world watches, eager to witness the next chapter in Cody Rhodes’ pursuit of greatness.
