If you’re a wrestling fan, you’re in for a treat. The latest episode of Cody Rhodes’ podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, featuring Kevin Owens, is an absolute gem. Dropped on June 25, 2025, this nearly two-hour chat is packed with laughs, insider stories, and some juicy revelations that have the wrestling world buzzing. Picture two old friends kicking back at Cody’s Nightmare Bar, sipping on Wheatley American Vodka, and letting loose about their lives in and out of the ring. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously funny. Here’s a rundown of why this episode is a must-listen.
The episode kicks off with Cody and Kevin reminiscing about their time on the independent wrestling circuit. Cody, known as “The American Nightmare,” opened up about his post-WWE journey in 2016, when he left the company as Stardust and had to figure out how to make it on the indies. He turned to Kevin, a veteran of the independent scene, for advice on pricing bookings. Cody shared that he kept his rates modest—around $600 per appearance—because he wanted promoters to get their money’s worth. “I wanted to make sure the promoter got his money back,” Cody said, emphasizing his no-ego approach. Kevin, who didn’t have the WWE name behind him at the time, chimed in about how some ex-WWE stars “robbed the bank” by charging sky-high fees, only to find themselves booked less often.
This led to a spicy moment when Kevin referenced a certain former WWE wrestler who “overestimated their appeal” with “insane” booking fees. The name was censored in post-production, but the internet went wild speculating it was Ryback. Cody’s spit-take reaction when the name was dropped had fans in stitches, and it’s not hard to see why this clip went viral.
Speaking of Ryback, the former Intercontinental Champion didn’t take the comments lightly. On June 25, he posted on X, assuming he was the one Kevin and Cody were shading. He defended himself, saying he was booked solid for three years after leaving WWE in 2016, with rates set by his manager, Pat Buck. Ryback also clarified that he walked away from wrestling due to serious health issues, including a needed five-disc fusion and shoulder replacement, not because of a lack of bookings. “I wish Kevin a strong recovery, and I send both him and Cody nothing but love,” he wrote, trying to keep things civil.
But the plot thickened the next day when Ryback posted again, revealing he’d spoken directly with Kevin. Turns out, the censored name wasn’t him. “After speaking with Kevin, he confirmed the person referenced in that specific comment wasn’t me,” Ryback admitted, saying he’d “jumped to conclusions.” His name did come up elsewhere in the conversation, but not in the context of overcharging. Talk about a rollercoaster of drama
What makes this episode stand out is the chemistry between Cody and Kevin. These two are real-life friends, and it shows. One of the funniest moments came when Kevin went on a rant about fake tans, leaving Cody struggling to keep a straight face. Fans on X couldn’t stop raving about it, with one user, @Molliestake87, saying, “I laughed so hard at this point. 🤣🤣” Another highlight was Kevin jokingly calling out Cody for blaming Matt Cardona for not inviting him to Disney trips. “You blame Matt for it. Did you know this Matt? This a**hole blames you,” Kevin teased, proving their banter is next-level.
They also gave a shoutout to AEW stars The Young Bucks and Colt Cabana, reflecting on their time together in Ring of Honor. Kevin credited the Bucks for becoming the biggest names on the indies after he left, and Cody recalled how Kevin urged him to connect with them when he went independent. It’s a rare, heartwarming cross-promotional moment that shows the bonds built in wrestling.
The episode wasn’t all laughs. Kevin got real about his ongoing neck injury, which forced him to pull out of WrestleMania 41. He shared that he’s waiting until mid-July for surgery, as doctors are letting his spinal cord heal as much as possible first. “It’s been such a frustrating process,” he admitted, but he’s staying optimistic. Cody, ever the supportive friend, listened intently, and you can feel the genuine care between them.
They also shared heartfelt stories about Cody’s late father, Dusty Rhodes. Kevin spoke about his close relationship with Dusty, who mentored him early in his career. These moments add depth to the episode, showing how wrestling ties run deep.
This episode is a masterclass in storytelling, humor, and wrestling insight. Whether you’re a diehard WWE fan or just love a good podcast, Cody and Kevin deliver. From shading overpriced wrestlers to cracking up over fake tans, they cover it all with charm and authenticity. Plus, the drama with Ryback adds just enough spice to keep things interesting. You can catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and trust me, you’ll want to hear every minute.
So, grab a drink (maybe some Wheatley Vodka to match the vibe), settle in, and enjoy Cody and Kevin spilling the tea while keeping it real. What’s your favorite moment from the episode? Hit up the comments or X and let us know!
Chloe Ramirez is a Portland-based content writer with a passion for storytelling that bridges lifestyle, wellness, and emerging tech. With a background in journalism and over six years of experience crafting blog posts, web content, and brand narratives, Chloe is known for her clear voice, thoughtful tone, and reader-first approach. When she’s not behind her laptop, you’ll find her exploring local bookstores, brewing the perfect cup of pour-over coffee, or hiking Oregon’s scenic trails — always with a notebook in hand, ready to capture the next idea.
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