Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast Ep 608 - WrestleMania (feat. Cody Rhodes)
Apr 13, 2026
Cody Rhodes, professional wrestler and actor known as The American Nightmare, joins to swap wild wrestling stories and WrestleMania memories. They laugh about surprise visits and family lore, trace iconic catchphrases, and dive into old-school training, risky live moments, and the pressure of big shows. Expect playful roasts, backstage tales, and shout-outs about touring and film work.
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Growing Up In A Wrestling Family Shaped Cody Rhodes
- Cody Rhodes recounts growing up with a wrestling legacy and tells how his father's plumbing background became part of his public persona.
- He describes family lore, Big Fish–like storytelling, and how those narratives shaped his wrestling identity and career motivation.
Hardcore Holly Taught Cody Discipline And Toughness
- Cody shares stories about Hardcore Holly teaching him discipline, nutrition, and old-school toughness during early career road trips.
- He recalls a soap-caddy incident in the shower and how Holly's gruffness taught him respect and ring fundamentals.
How WWE Development Evolved Into A Performance Machine
- Cody explains modern WWE training is systematized around athletes with varied backgrounds, unlike his OVW self-driven entry.
- He contrasts Sean Michaels–led performance center resources with the old-school bootstrapped OVW learning-by-doing path.