Cody Rhodes Expected A Polarising Reaction Upon WWE Return

Cody Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38, defeating Seth Rollins after being revealed as Mr McMahon's hand-picked opponent for the former Universal Champion.

Cody received widespread cheers at WrestleMania, with his return receiving a similar reaction to The Hardys in 2017 or even 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin later in the evening. 

During his later months in All Elite Wrestling, though, Cody received anything but widespread cheers, often receiving a mixed reception similar to that of John Cena after he became WWE's top star. 

Speaking on The Bump following 'Mania, Cody seemingly thought his AEW fan reception would carry over to WWE as he revealed he expected a polarising reaction upon his return. 

"I was trying very hard not to have expectations, but you have to. I was expecting a more polarising reaction because of the last bit of wrestling I had done I was a bit more of 'let's go, Cody, Cody sucks' type, which I love. But also, I'm an outsider. I broke the throne, I helped create an alternative promotion, I caused an incredible amount of disturbance in this world and everyone, how beautiful of it, it wasn't a negative return, it was positive," Cody said.

"I got the vibe the next day, it wasn't about leaving as it was about returning and that felt like a triumphant return. I was expecting some detractors to it all and I would have loved that just as much, but it didn't seem we got any of that." 

Following his WWE return, Cody opened the Raw after WrestleMania and Rhodes will seemingly be positioned near the top of the card as he revealed his intentions to pursue the WWE Championship.

H/T to POST Wrestling