Cody Rhodes defends WWE legend’s son amid recent controversy 

Cody Rhodes defended a WWE legend’s son amid a recent controversy. The American Nightmare is currently in a rivalry with Randy Orton on SmackDown.

AJ Styles’ son, Avery Styles, was called out by professional wrestler Arik Cannon for not helping in any way following his GCW match. AJ Styles responded to Cannon and claimed that he sounded jealous. Cannon responded by sharing a photo of Cody Rhodes sweeping up in the ring in the past, noting that even some of the biggest stars in the industry had to pay their dues.

Cody Rhodes responded to Cannon’s post and suggested that Avery Styles had already paid his dues because of his father’s career. You can check out Rhodes’ response in the post below.

“Arik my friend no shade intended, but my outlook… Avery is 19. His Father was paying dues and making sacrifices throughout that young man’s youth that some people may never understand. When you’re the family holding down the fort. To simplify…he already set up the fn’ chairs,” he wrote.

CM Punk defeated the former AEW EVP to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2026. Randy Orton interfered in the match and planted Rhodes with an RKO while the referee was distracted. It was the first time The Viper had been seen since his loss to Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 earlier this year.

CM Punk offers Cody Rhodes a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship

Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk recently offered Cody Rhodes a rematch for the title.

Speaking at a live event in Virginia earlier this month, Punk offered Rhodes a rematch for the title at a time and place of his choosing. The Second City Saint noted that he didn’t like Randy Orton getting involved in the match and suggested that the victory felt tainted.

“The way I won (at SummerSlam), it’s dirty, I don’t like it. There’s a ton of guys that want a shot at the champion. But you, my friend, you get a rematch any time you want,” he said.

Kevin Owens returned at SummerSlam and won a Fatal 4-Way match to become the number one contender. The Prizefighter will be challenging Punk for the title on the August 21 edition of WWE SmackDown in Toronto.