Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, has made headlines once again—not for a dramatic in-ring moment, but for his candid reflections on how WWE’s approach to injuries and pain management has evolved in recent years. In a revealing interview on All The Smoke with Matt Barnes, Rhodes opened up about the brutal Hell in a Cell match in 2022, where he wrestled Seth Rollins with a torn pectoral tendon, and used the moment to highlight a major shift in WWE’s culture: the end of the “power through” era.
The Hell in a Cell Revelation
Rhodes’ performance in the 2022 Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins is widely regarded as one of the most courageous in modern WWE history. Fighting through a torn pectoral, Rhodes refused to back down, delivering a match that fans and critics alike still talk about. But what many didn’t know until now is just how much WWE’s medical and safety protocols have changed since those days.
“I remember being told, ‘Hey, if you’re in pain, we are going to stop it. There is nothing to prove here,’” Rhodes recalled. “WWE is very adamant about there being no substance abuse in this company anymore. None. The 80s are over. We’ve got to be healthy, we’ve got to be clean.”
Rhodes revealed that he was only allowed four baby aspirin during the match, as even regular Advil wasn’t available. “They were watching me the whole time,” he said. “If things got out of hand, they were ready to pull the plug.”
A New Era of Safety and Longevity
This shift marks a pivotal moment in WWE’s history. For decades, the wrestling industry was defined by a culture of pain tolerance—where pushing through injuries was seen as a badge of honor. Wrestlers were expected to “power through” even the most severe injuries, often with the help of painkillers and other substances.
But according to Rhodes, that era is over. “WWE is pushing toward athlete longevity and safety,” he said. “We’re not interested in being the tough guy just for show anymore. The company isn’t either.”
A WWE insider confirmed that the organization has implemented stricter medical protocols and increased oversight during matches. “There’s a whole team now dedicated to monitoring the health of talent in real time,” the insider said. “If a wrestler shows signs of distress, the match can be stopped immediately. It’s a far cry from the old days when you were expected to finish the match no matter what.”
The Impact on Wrestlers’ Careers
This new approach has had a significant impact on how wrestlers approach their careers. With a greater emphasis on health and safety, many are able to extend their careers and avoid the long-term damage that plagued previous generations.
“WWE has made things easier on its talent by allowing them to travel with their families,” Rhodes said. “You’ve got guys who have tour buses now, and those are mini homes so you can have your life. But you get to a point where there’s only so much… you can only go so long.”
Rhodes, who is currently on his second Undisputed WWE Championship reign, acknowledged the challenges of balancing his career with being a father and husband. “I have really tried everything I can to bring it together,” he said. “I don’t mind going in on the PJ that gets me home at three in the morning versus showing up at 5pm the next day. I just try to be there at the breakfast table for my oldest daughter.”
The Future of WWE’s Injury Culture
Rhodes’ comments come at a time when WWE is facing increased scrutiny over its handling of injuries and the long-term health of its talent. With the rise of social media and greater awareness of the risks associated with professional wrestling, fans and critics alike are demanding more transparency and accountability from the company.
“WWE is in a better place now,” Rhodes said. “We’re not just looking at the short-term success of a match or a storyline. We’re thinking about the long-term health of the athletes. That’s a big change.”
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that he has been a vocal advocate for these changes within WWE. “Cody has been pushing for better medical protocols and more support for talent dealing with injuries,” the source said. “He’s seen firsthand what can happen when you push too hard, and he doesn’t want anyone else to go through that.”
The Legacy of the “Power Through” Era
While the “power through” era may be over, its legacy lives on in the stories of the wrestlers who risked everything for the love of the sport. Rhodes himself is a product of that era, having grown up watching legends like his father, Dusty Rhodes, and other icons who defined what it meant to be a wrestler.
But as he looks to the future, Rhodes is determined to ensure that the next generation of wrestlers doesn’t have to make the same sacrifices. “I’d like to make it so that by the time they hit that age, I’m not gone that often or I can’t really walk around that much,” he said. “And we’re getting closer.”
Conclusion
Cody Rhodes’ candid reflections on WWE’s evolving injury culture serve as a powerful reminder of how far the industry has come. The days of pushing through pain at all costs are behind us, replaced by a new era of health, safety, and longevity. As Rhodes prepares for what may be his final run in WWE, fans can take comfort in knowing that the company is committed to protecting its talent and ensuring that the sport they love can be enjoyed for generations to come.
What do you think about Cody Rhodes’ take on WWE’s injury culture? Do you believe today’s wrestlers should be more cautious, or is the old-school toughness still necessary? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
