WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently revealed new chilling details about a fire that broke out on his tour bus just days before WrestleMania 40, narrowly avoiding what could have been a tragic incident. The backstage incident not only rattled Rhodes but also added an unexpected twist to his WrestleMania preparations.
Near-Disaster Strikes the American Nightmare
While discussing the incident on his podcast “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” with Becky Lynch, Rhodes recounted the terrifying moments before his bus erupted in flames. He explained that the night of the fire, he had been resting on his bus after a few drinks, trying to decompress from the stress of WrestleMania season. Rhodes described being suddenly awoken by loud bangs, initially mistaking them for gunshots. Upon investigation, he discovered the bus engulfed in a large fire likened to the intense flame effects seen on theme park rides such as the Universal Studios’ Mummy attraction.
In the chaotic seconds that followed, Rhodes grabbed only two personal items before escaping: a picture of his family and his WrestleMania boots. He admitted to feeling stunned, thinking he might have had more time to save additional belongings but ultimately grateful to be safe[1].
How Rhodes Managed to Stay Safe
Sources close to Rhodes revealed to Wrestling Inc. that the WWE star’s decision to sleep on his own bus that night was motivated by a desire to protect his family from the stress of WrestleMania weekend. Despite the tense situation, there were no injuries reported, and the quick response of firefighters helped prevent the incident from escalating further[1][3].
An insider working behind the scenes commented, “Cody’s calm under pressure was remarkable. He acted fast and stayed focused amidst what could have been a catastrophic event. Everyone backstage was relieved when we heard he was okay.”
Impact on WrestleMania 40 Preparations
The timing of the fire — just prior to the biggest event of the year — raised concerns among fans and personnel alike about its potential impact on Rhodes’ readiness and gear for the show. Fortunately, Rhodes confirmed that although the bus suffered heavy damage, he still managed to save his key items, including his signature boots required for his matches.
In a later interview, he humorously acknowledged that some of his suits and merch did not survive, joking about the lingering smell of smoke on his gear. “The suits that I wear will all be… you’ll know there’s a smell off of us,” he quipped, showcasing his resilient spirit in the face of adversity[2].
A Close Call Before a Career-Defining Weekend
This incident added an unexpected layer of drama to Rhodes’ journey leading up to WrestleMania 40, where he is scheduled to headline both nights. The coincidence of the fire and his intense storyline rivalries has been noted by wrestling fans and commentators alike.
One WWE insider speculated, “Sometimes it feels like fate is testing our guy. The bus fire was a scary moment, but Cody’s determination to push through reinforces why he is at the top of his game heading into WrestleMania.”
Rhodes’ Perspective on the Experience
Reflecting on the event, Rhodes expressed gratitude that no one was hurt and pride in how he handled the emergency. He also acknowledged the support from his colleagues, including Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, whose bus he ended up using after the fire. This camaraderie highlighted the tight-knit community backstage despite the competitive nature of the business.
Rhodes concluded that the incident, while frightening, only strengthened his resolve. “I was really tired and probably not thinking totally clear, but at the end of the day, I grabbed what mattered most to me — my family and my boots — and got out safely. That’s all that counts,” he said[1].
This bus fire episode stands as a reminder of the unexpected challenges athletes can face behind the scenes and underscores Cody Rhodes’ resilience as he prepares to shine on WWE’s grandest stage. Fans eager to see him perform on WrestleMania weekend can rest assured that the American Nightmare is battle-tested and ready to go.