In a recent interview, Cody Rhodes opened up about the online reaction to his highly-acclaimed promo segment on the February 6, 2026, edition of Friday Night SmackDown. During the show in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rhodes responded to an exchange between Roman Reigns and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk that had taken place the previous Monday on Raw. The segment quickly went viral online, with fans and pundits alike praising Rhodes’ delivery and the way he wove a provocative narrative.
However, not everyone was impressed with Rhodes’ performance, with some critics questioning the legitimacy of his promo. One aspect of the segment that garnered significant attention was Rhodes’ reference to “The Raheem Line,” a phrase he used to drive home a point about the importance of being true to oneself in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling.
According to a source close to Cody Rhodes, the “Raheem Line” was carefully crafted to convey a message that resonated with his fans. “Cody’s goal with that promo was to not only respond to Roman Reigns and CM Punk but also to connect with the audience on a deeper level,” the source revealed. “He knew that using a memorable phrase like ‘The Raheem Line’ would help to make that connection.”
For those unfamiliar with the phrase, “The Raheem Line” is likely a nod to the 1992 film “Boyz n the Hood,” which explores the challenges faced by young African-American men growing up in South Central Los Angeles. In the film, a pivotal scene features a character named Doughboy (played by Ice Cube) delivering a memorable monologue that has become known as “The Raheem Line.” The dialogue, which is often quoted by fans and critics alike, serves as a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
Cody Rhodes has long been known for his ability to craft compelling promos that resonate with audiences, and his use of “The Raheem Line” in his recent promo segment was no exception. In a recent interview, Rhodes addressed the online backlash he received following the segment, stating that he had “done his field testing” before deciding to use the phrase.
“I knew that using a phrase like ‘The Raheem Line’ would be a risk, but I also knew that it would be a reward,” Rhodes explained. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know what works and what doesn’t, and I felt like that phrase was something that would really connect with our audience. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of ‘Boyz n the Hood,’ and I thought it would be a great way to pay homage to that film.”
While some critics have questioned the legitimacy of Rhodes’ promo, it’s clear that he poured his heart and soul into the segment. According to a WWE insider, Rhodes spent hours in the ring rehearsing his promo, working tirelessly to perfect his delivery and ensure that the message came across clearly.
“Cody’s a perfectionist, and he knew that this promo was going to be a big deal,” the insider revealed. “He spent hours in the ring, working on his delivery and making sure that every word counted. When he finally got out there on Friday Night SmackDown, he was ready – and it showed.”
As the WWE continues to navigate the complex landscape of professional wrestling, it’s clear that Cody Rhodes is one of the top stars in the company. With his ability to craft compelling promos and connect with audiences on a deep level, it’s no wonder that he’s become a fan favorite among wrestling enthusiasts. And with “The Raheem Line” now etched in the minds of fans everywhere, it’s likely that Rhodes will continue to be a major player in the world of professional wrestling for years to come.
In the end, it’s clear that Cody Rhodes’ use of “The Raheem Line” was a bold move that paid off in a big way. Whether or not you agree with his decision to use the phrase, it’s hard to deny the impact it had on the audience – and on Rhodes’ own career. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of professional wrestling, one thing is certain: Cody Rhodes is a star on the rise, and “The Raheem Line” will be remembered for years to come as a defining moment in his career.