WWE: Cody Rhodes on WWE Currently Being in a “Renaissance Era”, WrestleMania 40 Stage Reveal & More Notes, More News

Cody Rhodes Comments on WWE Currently Being in a New “Renaissance Era”

Fox News Digital held a recent interview with Cody Rhodes. One of the topics discussed included Rhodes’ thoughts about WWE currently being in a “Renaissance Era” for their current hot business period.

“I’ve heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it. For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did — and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business. I’m only making comparisons on a black and white level, dollars and cents, in terms of what WWE’s been able to do over the last two years.

I mentioned Renaissance because of all the things we’re trying, the changing of the programming and also the characters. They now appeal differently. Every year has its signature thing. There was Hulkamania — eat your vitamins and say your prayers. There was the Attitude Era — the (Jerry) Springer-type crash TV. Now, we have a more, reach-across-the-aisle and connect-to-the-audience-type relatable superstars. We still have larger than life, no doubt, but that’s all going into this very, like I said, Renaissance Era.”

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WWE WrestleMania 40 News & Notes – Stage Set Reveal, National Anthem Singer for Night 1, John Cena Status Update, More

WWE officially revealed on Thursday the stage set for this weekend’s WrestleMania 40 event at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque recently announced on Twitter that musician Coco Jones will be the official singer of the national anthem for WrestleMania 40 Night 1 event on April 6th.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that metalcore band Motionless in White is currently scheduled to perform Rhea Ripley’s theme song “Demons in Your Dream” live for Ripley’s entrance for her WWE Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania 40.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson also reported that his sources stated that retired Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce was seen on Philadelphia over the past several days. In regards to WWE’s potential plans for Kelce at WrestleMania 40, one source spoken to reportedly stated “I can’t tell you that, but if he was, you’d think we’d book him to do something physical in the stadium he called home, right?”

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WWE News & Notes

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that WWE officials’ original plans for Bayley’s split from Damage CTRL did not actually involve Mercedes Mone being involved in any capacity. It was reported that WWE officials had been working on plans dating back to this past Fall for Bayley’s split from the group. It was also reported that WWE’s original plans were for Charlotte Flair to team up with Bayley against Damage CTRL prior to Flair suffering a knee injury.

WWE reportedly invited collegiate athletes Sierra Rochelle, Victoria D’Errico, Makenzie Ellenburg, Keely Morrow, Ally Fitzgerald, Carla LeClrecq, Victoria Brito, Tyler Alcorn, Kenlee Newcome, Aliyah Wells, Kaylen Sophia O’Brien, Essence Clerkley, Satasha Kostelecky, Alara Boyd, Maggie Plush, Taylor Pitchell, Erica Folo, Daniella Sekelsky, Marylnne Deede, Demitre Burdick, and Shelby Nickal for their new set of tryouts on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this week, according to @lexveraux.

Following this past Tuesday’s NXT show, WWE released a post-show video featuring NXT General Manager Ava talking to someone on the phone about them wanting to join the Kickoff panel for NXT’s Stand & Deliver 2024 event. Ava told this person that “you’re always part of the NXT family.“

Becky Lynch recently announced on Twitter that her new book titled The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl” made the New York Times Best Seller list.

In a recent interview with The Ringer’s The Ringer Wrestling Show podcast, Sami Zayn stated that he recently hired an agent to for outside WWE projects.

In a recent interview with The Ringer Wrestling Show podcast, AJ Styles gave his thoughts about CM Punk’s recent return to WWE. Styles stated “If you know anything about AJ Styles and CM Punk, you would know that we really don’t care for each other. If you want me to ruin everything you think you know, I can. Here it is. Past performance predicts future behavior, right? Some over at AEW are my best friends. Love them, trust them, know them. I was expecting a problem when he came here. I was wrong. The guy looks like he’s happy to be here. He looks like a guy that I want to step into the ring with and tear the house down with. So, I can’t wait until that tricep of his is ready to rock so we can tear the house down.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)

In a recent interview with the Going Ringside podcast, Naomi stated that she is currently in favor of WWE adding more championship titles for their Women’s division. Naomi stated “I’m always pushing for more TV time, more talent for us… more titles, absolutely.” (Transcript h/t: PostWrestling.com)

Stardom revealed on Twitter that Natayla was in attendance backstage at their American Dream 2024 event on Thursday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following her visit, Natayla reflected on Twitter about being backstage at Stardom’s event. Natayla stated “Thank you so much for having me! I love supporting women’s wrestling in any way that I can. It was such a pleasure visiting!“

In a recent interview with BodySlam.net, Charlotte Fair gave her thoughts about her husband Andrade’s recent return to WWE. Flair stated “When I heard he was coming back, I was like, ‘I’ve waited three years to be with you and now I’m out!’ I’m so excited for him and happy he’s home.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)

In a recent interview with NewsNation, Ronda Rousey gave her thoughts about the sex trafficking lawsuit allegations against Vince McMahon and her not being interested in a potential return to WWE unless “drastic changes” were made. Rousey stated “It’s not surprising. I can tell you the reason why nobody else is speaking out is because they know that there will be negative repercussions if they say anything about the company that the company doesn’t like. Everybody is being held hostage by their careers, but since I don’t plan on going back there unless they make some very major changes, I feel free to say whatever I want to say, which I’ve always felt that way. I don’t really care if they have me back or not. I can wrestle wherever I want to wrestle and the truth should be told.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)