WWE/ROH News: Cody Rhodes responds to fan criticism on Vince McMahon, Randy Orton responds

What’s the story?

Ring of Honor wrestler Cody Rhodes fires back at critics of his comments on Vince McMahon holding back talent and caught a response from Randy Orton in the process.

In case you didn’t know...

Rhodes held a Twitter Q&A early Monday morning and was asked whether McMahon unfairly holds back wrestlers. The former ROH World Champion responded by saying that McMahon doesn’t hold anyone back and that some wrestlers in WWE aren’t as motivated or as ready as fans perceive them to be.

Do you think vince unfairly holds back talent that comes up from NXT? #allin

— Rob (@RTibbs08) February 5, 2018

He doesn't hold anybody back. A lot of times it's hard for fans to accept that some of their favorites have a ways to go or that they become lazy after they get that first LE check. Stardust for example didn't go beyond tag gold cuz' I wasn't improving & I also got outta' shape. https://t.co/PJstDITaMp

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 5, 2018

The heart of the matter

The idea that wrestlers within WWE are held back by management is a widely believed theory regarding many superstars who seem on the cusp of greatness in the eyes of the fans, but ultimately tend to fall short of their potential. However, Rhodes’ comments poked holes in that theory and some fans questioned him further about it.

Rhodes’ first response to these criticisms was to Twitter user @TheActivistOBW who suggested that the former Intercontinental Champion was giving safe answers in the hopes of returning to the company. He also suggested that Rhodes was backtracking on the comments he made after leaving the company in 2016.

He’s backtracking what he said not too long ago. Why be buddy buddy now? A return maybe? https://t.co/ndYCm7sbRS

— OB Wright (@TheActivistOBW) February 5, 2018

Rhodes ended his 10-year career with the WWE citing creative issues with continuing the Stardust character, something many fans felt held the second son of the late Dusty Rhodes back, but Rhodes responded by saying that the answer to that question would’ve been different if it focused solely on him.

I've never said I was being held back. Never. The context of the question can change my answers. I'm sure sometimes I sound bitter or sometimes I sound humble. Fans who follow me get a more clear picture of who I am.You're insane if you think I can do @ALL_IN_2018 and a return. https://t.co/b1GPLEjzQk

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 5, 2018

The biggest controversy came from Twitter user @OTRSCentral who said that claiming McMahon doesn’t hold anyone back was Rhodes’ way of giving “a political answer” that had no real basis.

I think it's a great example of @CodyRhodes taking accountability for himself and his career trajectory which I commend him for. That said, it's a political answer and not exactly grounded in reality. To say Vince doesn't hold people back is just flat out false. https://t.co/YuwbGSjpkp

— OTRSCentral (@OTRSCentral) February 6, 2018

Rhodes would respond in a big way and would even catch the attention of Randy Orton who joked about a Legacy reunion in the future.

Don't comment directly on my tweet as if I don't see it. How's my answer to a fan in a random Q/A remotely political? I have zero to gain. I worked there, you didn't...you bought a ticket, not an education. Sit the fuck down. https://t.co/AVpor9CznG

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 6, 2018

DAMN (Ron’s Simmons voice)Can’t wait to have you back one day codeman. Legacy reboot? Ha I kid I kid https://t.co/Ya07a3fO3g

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) February 6, 2018

Rhodes would respond with the following tweet.

"...lean your head out the window and get some air on those stitches..." https://t.co/uu5gBRTxVq

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 6, 2018

What’s next?

ROH Honor Reigns Supreme will take place on Friday, February 9th in Concord, North Carolina and Rhodes will team with fellow Bullet Club members, Marty Scrull and Adam Page, in a six-man tag team match against Matt Taven, TK’O Ryan and Vinny Marseglia of The Kingdom.

Author’s Take

This topic sparked a debate amongst many wrestling fans about the differences between being held back and not being viewed at a certain level and that may be the big difference that only WWE Superstars and management could provide more clarity on.