WWE Champion’s Tweet Sparks Unexpected Political Firestorm
Cody Rhodes, current WWE Champion and one of the industry’s most visible stars, recently addressed a moment from early 2021 that placed him at the center of a heated political controversy. During a candid appearance on Bert Kreischer’s podcast, Rhodes revisited the circumstances surrounding a tweet that unintentionally ignited outrage across social media and the wrestling community.
The tweet in question featured a GIF of Rhodes in the ring, gesturing “come on,” with the caption: “January 6, bring it.” Intended as a routine promotional post for the season premiere of TBS’s competition series Go-Big Show—which happened to air that day—the timing coincided precisely with the infamous attack on the U.S. Capitol, sparking immediate backlash and fierce speculation about Rhodes’ political views[1][3].
The Origins: Promotion Gone Awry
Rhodes explained that the tweet was meant to hype fans for the new season of Go-Big Show, not to comment on current events or politics. “So the Capitol riots were January 6, right? … We debuted the second season [of Go-Big Show] on January 6, and it lives in infamy,” Rhodes clarified. “I put a GIF of me in the ring going like this, ‘Come on,’ and all I wrote was ‘January 6,’ and it’s me doing that. And I couldn’t explain it because not enough people watched Go-Big Show. I can’t explain to them, ‘No, no, it was a show that we were doing.’”[1][3]
The overlap of dates was purely coincidental, but social media users, largely unaware of the context, quickly linked the tweet to the events unfolding in Washington D.C. that same day. The result was a storm of criticism, with many accusing Rhodes of making a political statement or signaling support for controversial ideologies[3].
Political Misconceptions and Online Assumptions
Rhodes acknowledged that the backlash was exacerbated by long-standing assumptions about his political leanings. “There’s a group of people that is just insistent on, ‘That guy’s clearly a Republican. He’s had a Trump hat before. He has a necktie. He’s from Georgia. He’s clearly—’ whereas my family is super moderate, fairly a lifetime liberal family,” Rhodes noted. “We’ve been all over the map. But those people — there’s no way I’m convincing them.”[1][3]
Despite his attempts to clarify, Rhodes admitted that it was nearly impossible to shift public perception once the controversy had taken root. “It would be a waste of my time to try and say, ‘Hey, I think a little differently than you perceive.’ But okay, you know.” He summed up his political stance succinctly: “I’m very moderate. So that means I have no voice. Like no voice.”[1][3]
Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword for WWE Superstars
The incident highlights the precarious nature of social media for wrestling talent. In today’s digital landscape, a single tweet can be dissected, misinterpreted, and go viral in seconds—often divorced from its original intent. Wrestling podcast hosts and insiders have repeatedly discussed how online reactions can spiral out of control and impact a star’s reputation, sometimes irreversibly[4].
According to a WWE insider, “Cody’s situation is a textbook example of how quickly things can get out of hand. He’s always been open about using social media to connect with fans, promote his projects, and share his journey. But even someone as media-savvy as Cody isn’t immune to these kinds of misunderstandings.”
The Personal Toll and Lessons Learned
Rhodes admitted to feeling the sting of the backlash, despite his efforts to stay above the fray. “I try not to be on social as much, but I can still get pretty gotten-to about a moment here and there,” he said, describing the emotional toll that online criticism can take on performers—even those with years of experience in the public eye[1][3].
Sources close to Rhodes revealed that the incident prompted him to reassess his approach to social media, becoming more cautious about the timing and context of his posts. “He’s always been proud of his ability to engage with fans directly,” a backstage source shared, “but this really made him realize how easily things can be misread, especially when the world is watching every move.”
Wrestling Community Responds: Divided Opinions
The wrestling world was quick to react, with fans, pundits, and fellow wrestlers offering a wide range of opinions. Some defended Rhodes, arguing that the uproar was a result of misunderstanding and bad timing; others insisted that public figures must be more attuned to sensitive events when sharing content online[4].
Fan podcasts, like Cody Rhodes vs The Internet, have debated whether the backlash represents a broader trend of negativity and overreaction in wrestling fandom. “Wrestlers should be able to speak their truth on a podcast interview. If you don’t agree with the guest, then that’s ok too,” one host commented, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue within the community[4].
Cody’s Perspective: Moving Forward as WWE Champion
Despite the controversy, Rhodes remains focused on his responsibilities as WWE Champion and his commitment to connecting with fans. He continues to promote transparency and authenticity, even when faced with online criticism.
“I’m not going to spend my time trying to convince people who’ve made up their minds about me,” Rhodes said backstage after a recent event. “I’ve always believed in being real, whether that’s in the ring or online. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you have to stand by your intent, even if people don’t see it the way you do. Wrestling is about storytelling, and sometimes, the stories off-camera are just as complicated as the ones in the ring.”
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
As Rhodes continues his reign atop WWE, his experience serves as a cautionary tale for talent navigating the intersection of wrestling, media, and politics. While the “January 6” tweet lives on as a moment of unintentional controversy, it has also reinforced Rhodes’ resolve to remain true to himself—regardless of public opinion.
For fans and fellow wrestlers alike, the incident is a reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media in shaping perceptions, and the importance of context in understanding the full story behind the headlines[1][3][4].
Backstage quote:
“I’ve had my share of tough moments, but you learn from each one. The fans know who I am, and I’ll keep proving it every single night,” Rhodes stated to colleagues after the show, emphasizing his commitment to staying authentic both inside and outside the squared circle.
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