Cody Rhodes has become the poster child of WWE under the tutelage of Triple H, but their first meeting left the American Nightmare ‘uncomfortable’.
Rhodes became WWE Champion after beating John Cena at SummerSlam, winning the belt for a second time in his career.
The American Nightmare has become the company’s top star, with Rhodes defending the title against Drew McIntyre next.
When the American Nightmare was a child, a first-time meeting with his future boss Triple H didn’t go to plan.
Triple H ‘picked on’ Cody Rhodes at a WCW event
Rhodes disclosed information about his childhood growing up backstage at WCW with his dad, Dusty Rhodes.
In an interview with WWE.com, the American Nightmare shared the first time he ever met Triple H. My dad introduced me, and said, “He’s gonna be a really big deal,” said Rhodes.
Rhodes was in attendance for Triple H’s match that night, with the future WWE Champion sat in the front row.
“He stared a hole through me to see if I flinched or to see if people would boo, because he was picking on this little kid,” revealed Rhodes.
“I didn’t want to play along with what was going on, but I also was legitimately uncomfortable,” said the star. “So, mission accomplished for him.”
Years later, Rhodes would sign for WWE and even came face-to-face with Triple H inside the squared circle several times.
Their first meeting in a singles match was inside a Steel Cage on an episode of WWE Raw in 2009, which was won by The Game.
Cody Rhodes’ relationship with Triple H explained
Despite their awkward first meeting, The Game has always been a fan of the American Nightmare as a performer.
When Rhodes asked for his release from WWE in 2016, the star revealed in an interview with Bill Simmons that his future boss was ‘shocked’.
The Game also kept a watchful eye on Rhodes’ career outside of WWE and reached out to the American Nightmare after an incredible achievement.
“He was one of the first people to text me when I won a world title outside of WWE, ‘Hey, good job,’” said Rhodes. “He had no reason to be watching that show.”
Triple H booked Rhodes to win both of his WWE Championships titles, as well as two Royal Rumble victories.