Cody Rhodes Comments On Winning The 2023 WWE Royal Rumble

After several months out of action, Cody Rhodes re-established himself as a top star within WWE, winning the 2023 Men's Royal Rumble in his return match on January 28 in San Antonio, Texas.

Cody entered the match at number 30 and he last eliminated GUNTHER (who entered at number one) following a Cross Rhodes and a Clothesline to earn a world title match in one of the main events of WrestleMania 39. Following his win, Cody paid tribute to Bullet Club before he pointed at the WrestleMania sign, with fireworks going off outside of the Alamodome.

After the match, Rhodes commented on his win to Ryan Satin of Fox Sports:

"It doesn't just feel good, it feels surreal. I wasn't even working here a year ago. I don't know how we got here. There are things in my career that lined up perfectly, so perfectly. I don't know how we got here. It doesn't line up perfectly. I don't believe in destiny, I don't believe in fate, but my gosh, if there was a case study for it, it's me. Maybe I just need to give in and say what this is, it's a journey of destiny, who knows. No frame of reference for what that spot is. I cannot wait to feel it. I'm very sorry I got hurt. That was stupid. Warm up before you lift. I'll never....it won't happen. Thank you for everything. Biggest night of my career."

Rhodes didn't walk away from his return match unscathed, though, and The American Nightmare revealed he sustained a popped eardrum.

Cody had previously been out of action since June of 2022 after suffering a torn pectoral muscle. He was written off WWE TV after his win over Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell, a match which he wrestled with a torn pec.

H/T to Fightful