Cody Rhodes Discusses Fan Criticisms Of ‘American Dream’ Promo

Cody Rhodes has discussed his recent AEW “American Dream” promo, commenting on the criticisms he has received from some fans.

To build to his Double or Nothing match with Anthony Ogogo, Rhodes cut a heartfelt promo on Dynamite, detailing his patriotic view of the USA. The segment received mixed reviews with some fans not agreeing with Rhodes’ sentiment.

Rhodes has now addressed some of these fan criticisms. In a media call, Rhodes admitted that the US does have its fair share of problems. Noting that he wasn’t trying to mansplain racism, Rhodes stated that he was trying to articulate his pride for his family and city to contradict Ogogo’s words.

Clearing the air, Rhodes said:

“I very much am proud to be an American. We have tons of problems here, which is the first thing I said when I started speaking. We have tons of problems, but I still genuinely believe hope outweighs. I’m not trying to mansplain racism to anyone. All I was trying to say is that I’m proud of my wife. I’m proud of the city I’m in, and I’m proud of this baby girl that’s on the way. When it comes to Anthony’s opinions on the United States, those are his opinions.

“That’s the beautiful thing about being here is that you can say whatever you like. He has chosen to say a lot, pointing out things we do wrong as a country. I think you’re remiss if you only point them out and don’t point out that people are functionally and actively trying to fix them. That’s one of the things I’m most proud of and excited for Memorial Day weekend as we honor our fallen is to just always reiterate, yeah, we got a lot of messy spots, but everyone does there part, at least I believe. I’m a hopeful person it terms of trying to clean that up. Anthony is here living the American Dream like many professional wrestlers in their time. I cited Bruno Sammartino in my promo, an Italian immigrant who changed our industry forever.

“But again, that’s the beautiful thing about fans, that’s the beautiful thing about wrestling. You pay your money. You’re allowed to do whatever you want as a fan. So people who think he might be the good guy, or I’m the good guy, or I’m the bad guy or he’s the bad guy, that’s fine by me. It’s more interest for the match and more interest for the outcome for the match, but with all that said, when it’s set and done, I really hope to say, whether I like him personally or not, that I’m proud of Anthony as far as being AEW’s first developmental talent and what that looks like in a major pay-per-view spot.”

Unfortunately for Ogogo, he will be heading into Sunday’s match injured. Ogogo recently revealed that he suffered a broken rib during training ahead of Double or Nothing.

In recent weeks, rumors of heat amongst the AEW EVPs have surfaced online. Rhodes has commented on these rumors, giving his theory as to where the speculation originated from.

Double or Nothing will air on Fite on May 30 at 8pm ET.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc. 

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• american dream
• Double or Nothing
• Cody Rhodes
• AEW

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