Cody Rhodes has shared two revealing stories from the early stages of his professional wrestling career.
During a recent interview with Jason Sweetnam, the former Undisputed WWE Champion recalled being fired from Einstein Bros. Bagels after a prank involving a coworker. He also explained why he refused to embarrass fans while performing his “disfigured” WWE character.
Before becoming a major WWE star, Rhodes worked at Einstein Bros. Bagels. He said he once smeared an everything bagel with garden veggie spread and threw it at a friend, hoping it would stick to the person’s neck or face. The prank worked, but the coworker was working at the cash register at the time.
Security footage reportedly captured the incident, and a customer complained. Rhodes was dismissed the following day, though Einstein Bros. later rehired him. He eventually left the company a second time without incident.
Rhodes also discussed his WWE feud with Rey Mysterio, which began after Mysterio legitimately broke his nose. Rhodes turned the injury into the basis for his “disfigured” character and incorporated paper bags into the act.
According to Rhodes, WWE officials wanted him to place the bags over the heads of fans they considered unattractive. He refused to walk through the audience, select someone based on appearance and force the bag onto them, saying that would cross a serious line.
Instead, he worked with fans who volunteered for the segment. Rhodes said they understood the joke and were happy to participate. Although the character was designed to make him appear cruel on television, he was unwilling to humiliate anyone who had not agreed to take part.
On his Naked Gun cameo: Rhodes described the experience as a welcoming introduction to acting. He said Liam Neeson was gracious on set and that he and Brandi viewed the opportunity through the lens of Neeson’s role as Qui-Gon Jinn. Rhodes said the brief appearance gave him a positive first taste of the world and increased his enthusiasm for future projects.
On why he supports Preston North End: Rhodes credited Wade Barrett, also known as Bad News Barrett, for introducing him to the club. Barrett gave him a jersey and encouraged him to follow the team, and Rhodes said that gesture inspired his lasting loyalty to Preston North End. He also acknowledged commentator Stuart Alexander, whom he calls Big Stu.
