Cody Rhodes Says He Learned the 'Raheem' Line Was Not His to Use

Summary

Cody Rhodes addressed the "Raheem" reference he used on WWE television earlier this year and said he has since come to view it as something he should not have said himself.

Rhodes had used the nickname during the February 6 episode of *SmackDown* while talking about the tension between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Speaking later on Matt & Shane's Secret Podcast, he reflected on the line and made clear that his thinking changed after it aired.

The comment adds another layer to a stretch where Rhodes has remained one of WWE's most visible stars heading into WrestleMania 42. He is also part of the company's final push to the event, including the last advertised SmackDown appearance before WrestleMania 42.

Quote from Cody Rhodes

"I referenced my nickname on TV, Raheem, and that was funny until I said it. Now, I live with it. It's not mine to say. It's not mine. I learned. I learn every day,"

What Cody Rhodes' comment means before WrestleMania 42

Rhodes did not try to dodge the issue here. By openly saying he learned from it, he framed the line as a mistake rather than doubling down on a promo that had already drawn attention from fans.

For WWE, that likely closes the loop on this particular talking point as Rhodes moves back toward the far bigger focus of his Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.

Sources

Cody Rhodes on Matt & Shane's Secret Podcast