Professional wrestling star Cody Rhodes has proposed an ambitious venue for his dream match: a decommissioned aircraft carrier, drawing inspiration from one of the sport's most memorable moments three decades ago.
Speaking to TMZ Sports in New York City this week while signing autographs for fans, Rhodes discussed how WWE could participate in the growing trend of combat sports events at unconventional locations. With boxing matches staged at the pyramids and mixed martial arts bouts held at the White House, the wrestler known as the American Nightmare sees an opportunity for professional wrestling to create its own spectacular setting.
Rhodes specifically referenced Lex Luger's iconic body-slam of Yokozuna on the USS Intrepid in 1993 as the template for his vision. The historic wrestling moment took place aboard the aircraft carrier and remains etched in the memories of longtime fans. Rhodes expressed enthusiasm for recreating that type of spectacle, with TMZ Sports noting that such an event "would be epic."
The conversation with Rhodes covered multiple topics beyond wrestling venues. When asked about the New York Knicks reaching the NBA Finals, Rhodes offered his analysis, attributing the team's success to being "a really good basketball team" combined with what he called "the Danhausen effect."
Rhodes also addressed his upcoming film project, a "Street Fighter" movie scheduled for theatrical release later this year. The wrestler predicted strong audience reception, telling TMZ Sports that fans will "go nuts when it comes out."
The concept of hosting wrestling matches on military vessels has precedent in WWE history. The 1993 event Rhodes referenced served as a patriotic spectacle that combined athletic entertainment with naval heritage. Whether WWE will pursue Rhodes's vision for a modern aircraft carrier match remains to be seen, but the wrestler's enthusiasm for unconventional venues reflects the industry's ongoing efforts to create memorable experiences beyond traditional arenas.
As combat sports promotions continue experimenting with distinctive locations to capture public attention and generate buzz, Rhodes's proposal adds another ambitious idea to the conversation about where and how athletic competitions can be staged in the future.
