WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently praised the renewed intensity and “trademark” passion displayed by former world champion Cody Rhodes in a promo aired on last week’s WWE SmackDown, signaling a fiery buildup to their upcoming SummerSlam showdown with John Cena. According to Henry, Rhodes’ sincere emotional investment in the segment was a powerful reminder of why he remains one of WWE’s most compelling figures today.

During an episode of Busted Open After Dark, Henry reflected on the charged exchange between Rhodes and Cena, expressing how the promo captured a raw and authentic energy reminiscent of Cody’s best work. “You can feel it when a guy’s truly into it — that passion is like a trademark,” Henry commented, praising Rhodes for reigniting that fire on the mic[1]. This enthusiasm notably stood out amid a storyline that has taken on new layers of complexity and intrigue with Cena’s cryptic use of “we,” alluding to a possible involvement of WWE legend The Rock, as Mark Henry also speculated[2][4].

Henry described how the emotional weight of the promo was grounded in the narrative tension Cody faced, particularly during Cena’s unsettling remarks at the segment’s conclusion. Cena’s admission of exhaustion and suggestion that he might not appear at SummerSlam represented a “kick below the belt” to Rhodes, heightening the drama and stakes for their Universal WWE Championship Street Fight[1]. For Henry, this added dimension underscores the entertainment aspect of WWE storytelling—melding real feelings with scripted rivalries to create compelling television.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes have revealed backstage that the former world champion has been consciously channeling this intense passion in promos and performances as part of a deliberate effort to elevate his character and storyline heading into the biggest event of the summer. The renewed fire is not only resonating with fans but has caught the attention of seasoned veterans like Mark Henry, who see it as a sign of Rhodes being fully locked in.

Moreover, Henry’s insights extended to the possibility of The Rock’s imminent involvement, which Cody himself alluded to in his opening promo on SmackDown. Henry suggested that references to “we” by Cena allude to a duo—himself and The Rock—hinting at a surprise return by The Rock at SummerSlam, injecting unpredictability into the already volatile feud[2]. The impending Street Fight stipulation only teases chaos and physicality that could allow for unexpected interference and moments outside the usual WWE rules.

Aside from codifying the present feud, Henry also weighed in on other recent SmackDown developments, including the impressive mental fortitude displayed by talents like Logan Paul and Jelly Roll during their extensive promo segment. Henry noted that holding the audience’s attention for over eight minutes on the mic demands tremendous focus and confidence, praising these performers for rising to that challenge[3].

As SummerSlam 2025 approaches, taking place over two nights at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and streaming live on Peacock and Netflix, the energy and anticipation around Cody Rhodes and John Cena’s Universal Championship Street Fight continues to build. Mark Henry’s commentary both highlights the emotional stakes involved and suggests that fans can expect surprises — possibly involving The Rock — that will keep the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats[1][2].

In sum, Mark Henry’s observations underline the importance of genuine passion in wrestling promos, showcasing Cody Rhodes’ ability to rekindle that trademark intensity. Sources close to WWE confirm that this moment of storytelling excellence is a strategic push designed to maximize impact at SummerSlam, setting the stage for a memorable clash steeped in personal and professional rivalry.

Backstage Quote: According to a WWE insider, “Cody has been laser-focused on bringing that old-school promo fire back. When Mark Henry calls it ‘trademark passion,’ it’s because he sees Cody embodying the best of what makes a WWE champion — heart, grit, and raw emotion. This feud is more than a match; it’s personal, and Cody wants the world to feel that.”

With Mark Henry’s endorsement and the potential return of icons like The Rock, WWE fans are gearing up for a SummerSlam that promises high drama, intense action, and moments that could define this era of sports entertainment.