During a tense moment at the WWE Bash in Berlin, Cody Rhodes was in the middle of a heated media interaction regarding Vince McMahon’s much-anticipated Netflix documentary series. The WWE Champion recognized for his keen intellect and composed behavior, seemed noticeably uneasy as the focus turned from his recent wins to the divisive McMahon. Critics on various social media platforms were quick to criticize the question’s poor timing, with numerous individuals contending that it was not suitable for a post-event media gathering.
The situation has now escalated into a bigger discussion in the wrestling world, particularly after remarks made by WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross on his podcast, “Grilling JR,” were straightforward.
Jim Ross supports Cody Rhodes’ handling of the situation
In the most recent podcast episode, Jim Ross, a veteran wrestling commentator and a friend of the Rhodes family, publicly supported Cody. Ross, who has known Rhodes since he was a child, commended the WWE star for keeping calm when faced with what he deemed an inappropriate question.
“Cody dealt with the situation gracefully, like he always does, but let’s face it – that question was not appropriate in the media interview,” Ross emphasized that it was not the appropriate time or platform, his frustration evident in his rising voice.
Ross’s defensive position towards Rhodes came as no shock to those who knew their past. The experienced analyst, who has seen Cody evolve from the offspring of the iconic Dusty Rhodes to a prominent current star, has consistently shown strong backing for the wrestler’s journey. Ross mentioned that it is simply inquiries that individuals pose to provoke a response. “Is it truly journalism or merely sensationalism?”
The comments made by the Hall of Famer sparked a renewed discussion on the morality of wrestling journalism, especially concerning how they cover delicate subjects such as McMahon’s controversial past.
Is there a fine line crossed between sensationalism and journalism?
Ross didn’t stop at defending Rhodes. He went on to deliver a scathing critique of the media’s approach during the event. “Are you s**ting me?” he exclaimed, clearly disgusted by the nature of the question. “What are you talking about? Are you kidding me?” Ross’s fiery reaction left no doubt about his feelings toward the line of questioning that dominated the Bash in Berlin’s post-event media scrum.
He further questioned the motive behind the inquiry, expressing frustration that the media would attempt to bring other wrestlers into the conversation. “Why hasn’t the rest of the locker room talked about it? What a joke. This isn’t the time or place for this type of thing,” Ross continued. The WWE icon made it clear that Vince McMahon needed to be addressed, they should come from one person and that’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Is Triple H the only suitable voice to speak about McMahon’s legacy?
In a moment that solidified his point, Jim Ross doubled down on his belief that only Triple H, Vince McMahon’s heir apparent and the current head of WWE’s creative operations, should be the one to publicly handle any discussions about the docuseries.
Triple H is intelligent. Ross emphasized the delicacy of McMahon’s legacy in professional wrestling, stating that he is aware it is not wise to immediately engage in such a sensitive topic. There is much speculation surrounding how the Netflix series will depict McMahon, who transformed sports entertainment, as it is rumored to explore the ups and downs of his controversial career.
Ross mentioned that only Triple H should be the one to answer these questions. Even so, no one should approach it without careful consideration. We’re discussing a man who has had a one-of-a-kind influence in this industry, yet he also has a lot of issues to deal with. There is a lot to delve into, and Cody shouldn’t have been involved in it.
Conrad Thompson’s Firm Stance on the Netflix Series
It’s worth noting that Jim Ross was not the sole voice from the wrestling community commenting on the McMahon documentary series. Conrad Thompson, a well-known wrestling commentator and host of podcasts, shared his candid thoughts on the upcoming series. Despite fears from certain fans that Netflix’s portrayal of McMahon would be more favorable, Thompson insisted that the series criticizes McMahon’s impact on the world of wrestling.
Thompson’s fiery remarks have added fuel to an already blazing conversation. Fans and insiders alike are now debating the true intention behind the series — whether it’s a factual recounting of McMahon’s career or a strategic takedown of his public image.
The Wrestling Community Responds
The inquiry aimed at Cody Rhodes has not just influenced the media but also fans, with many showing compassion for the WWE star’s awkward situation. One fan’s tweet expressed the sentiment that many shared: “Cody didn’t deserve that.” He ought to be enjoying his achievement, not handling inquiries about McMahon’s private life.
Others, though, have adopted a critical perspective, inquiring why Rhodes, as a prominent figure in WWE, has not been more outspoken about the problems concerning Vince McMahon. A fan pointed out that if Cody is the future of the company, he must be ready for challenging inquiries, emphasizing the fine line between personal and professional life in the realm of professional wrestling.
No matter the stance of fans, it is evident that the issue raised at the WWE Bash in Berlin has initiated a broader discussion that goes beyond just the wrestling ring.
