The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes made a triumphant return at the 2023 Royal Rumble event. Not only did he come back after recovering from a torn pec injury, but he won the namesake 30 man over-the-top-rope battle royal and punched his ticket for a main event World championship match at WrestleMania 39. Moreover, Rhodes was in action on Monday Night RAW against Finn Balor, recently taking a jab at him with a reference to the Bullet Club.
Before making his way to WWE, Finn Balor was one of the top stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Furthermore, The famous faction ‘Bullet Club’ was also under Balor’s leadership during one of its incarnations.
Cody Rhodes also led The Bullet Club’s charge in 2016. His time in the legendary faction ended in 2018, due to rivalry with a fellow member of the group, Kenny Omega.
The tied history between Cody Rhodes and Finn Balor came head to head on this week’s edition of Monday Night RAW. As The American Nightmare celebrated his Royal Rumble win, Balor alongside his Judgment Day crew interrupted him and accepted his challenge for a match later that night.
The fans in attendance widely appreciated the historic showdown between two former leaders of the Bullet Club. Furthermore, Cody Rhodes recently took a shot at Finn Balor by posting a series of photos on Instagram from their match, with a Bullet Club reference, while also proclaiming that the legend of Finn Balor was true to show his respect towards him.
“Bullet club is fine” – somebody once. Found out the legend of @finnbalor is indeed true. Not the friendliest cat but we don’t need to be friends, best way to thank him for creating something that was such a huge part of my journey…is to hit him in the mouth. That’s what we do. Can’t wait to stand across from him again. @wwe @usa_network.”
Cody Rhodes went on to win the match after interference from Finn Balor’s Judgment Day faction was subdued by Edge and Beth Phoenix. A big win over Balor might just have given the Prodigal Son some momentum, heading into the biggest match of his life at WrestleMania 39 in 60 days.
Do you think Cody Rhodes and Finn Balor will team up someday in WWE? Sound off in the comments!