Cody Rhodes returned to WWE with a bang on Saturday after he was chosen as a mystery opponent at WrestleMania 38.
He beat four-time world champion Seth Rollins to remind fans what he is still capable of since leaving WWE in 2016.
He seemed unfazed for the vast majority of the encounter, sussing out Rollins in the initial stages of the match.
The mystery opponent provided a trademark Cross Rhodes, followed by punches and the Bionic Elbow, which proved too hot to handle for Rollins.
Following the American Nightmare’s return, Rhodes emotionally said during a backstage interview: ‘’I was here six years ago, or seven years ago at WrestleMania as Stardust. I had a good time, but I knew I was out.
“I did everything I could. I rattled every cage, I tried to change every rule in our entire industry, I had great partners and had great people with me along the way, but I really, truly never thought I would veer back here.
“When the time came, even when I thought it would never happen, it was the easiest decision I ever made.”
Rhodes said: “Worst kept secret in wrestling.
“At this show, you want to know but you don’t know until it happens. For 40 something days, I had to be silent. I was very flattered; really, truly flattered. I came off the last match with the crowds really polarised, a little bit of “you suck”, a little bit of “we like you”. I’m great with that as long as we’re making noise.
“But to feel their love, I kept saying thank you because that is what it’s all about.
“Everyone can do the wrestling moves in 2022, everyone can do everything but if you can find a connection with the audience, you’ve won.”