WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H recently revealed his initial reaction to Cody Rhodes smashing his throne at AEW Double or Nothing 2019. 'The Game' discussed the iconic moment during a recent episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Rhodes.
The throne smash became one of the defining images of AEW's early days, with Rhodes using a sledgehammer to destroy a replica of Triple H's signature throne prop. Both wrestlers confirmed there was no malice behind the gesture.
Triple H's Immediate Response
When people showed Triple H the footage at the time, his reaction was immediate and positive. "F**k yeah, good for him," he recalled saying, viewing it as Rhodes making a bold statement to establish himself outside WWE.
That's the kind of sh*t you do. You're trying to make a name for yourself, you're trying to get out there, you're trying to do some cool sh*t, trying to do some different stuff.
He added that if he had sensed any serious malice in the act, he would have reached out directly to Rhodes, given his close relationship with Cody's father, Dusty Rhodes.
I always felt like a connection to you, and when you were here and it was difficult for me when you left.
Encouraging Cody Rhodes to Take the Leap
'The American Nightmare' revealed that Triple H had actually encouraged him before his WWE departure, telling him to "go rattle the cages." Triple H essentially made himself the target for Rhodes to challenge in wrestling's public eye.
Rhodes also shared that one of the first congratulatory texts he received after winning the Ring of Honor World Championship came from Triple H, even as Rhodes was heading to the hospital in Lowell with a busted lip.
The Long-Term Vision
Triple H explained that his perspective was always about Rhodes building himself into a more valuable talent.
He said:
You see somebody going off, doing their own thing and having success and I'm like, 'F*ck yeah. Cody, come on!' Like, get yourself in that spot where we're like, hey… I don't know what he did different but let's go get him
Rhodes admitted he was relieved there were no hard feelings.
I'm glad the feeling is good on it versus — because I'm thinking, man, if he's mad about it, it's a long road to whatever the payoff is," Rhodes said.
Cody Rhodes is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42
