WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has lauded Cody Rhodes for delivering one of the most passionate promos in recent SmackDown history, highlighting the former world champion’s trademark emotional intensity that resonated profoundly with fans and insiders alike.

During an insightful discussion on the “Busted Open After Dark” podcast last week, Henry commended Rhodes’ performance, noting a palpable return to the heartfelt, fiery intensity that first made Cody a standout on the main roster. “There’s a passion that Cody brought last Friday on SmackDown that you don’t see very often — that raw, authentic emotion in promos that separates stars from legends,” Henry remarked, emphasizing that Rhodes had rekindled the spirit that helped define his legacy in WWE[3][1].

The segment in question saw Cody Rhodes engage in a gripping verbal exchange that set the stage for his highly anticipated Universal WWE Championship match against John Cena at SummerSlam 2025. Henry dissected the layered complexity of the promo, particularly focusing on Cena’s cryptic remarks and the strained energy that reverberated across the segment. According to Henry, Cena’s line about a mysterious “we” decision not to compete at SummerSlam appeared to throw Cody off guard, creating palpable tension and drama on screen[1].

“John Cena said, ‘I hope and pray that John Cena gives more where Cody gave him,’ but then he mentioned ‘we’ — and Cody was left utterly bewildered, unable to even confront Adam Pearce, who seemed confused himself,” Henry explained. “That moment was a kick below the belt for Cody, but it’s exactly what makes this form of entertainment so compelling”[1].

Beyond just the storyline intrigue, Henry accented the physical and emotional demands such promos place on WWE talent, praising Cody’s ability to channel his inner fire despite the pressures of performing live on a major platform. He paralleled this sentiment with his recent praise for Logan Paul and Jelly Roll’s mental fortitude during an intensive eight-minute segment on SmackDown, a testament to the high stakes and endurance required in today’s WWE universe[2].

Sources close to Rhodes confirmed this renewed vigor backstage, describing Cody as “laser-focused and determined” to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of WWE, driven by the “real anger and passion” fueling his words. “This isn’t just a performance for him — it’s personal,” a WWE insider revealed exclusively to Wrestling Inc. “You can feel it in every promo he cuts; it’s the Cody Rhodes that fans have been longing to see again”[3].

The promo segment not only bolstered anticipation for SummerSlam but also underscored the intricate storytelling WWE has been weaving into their programming under the creative vision of Triple H’s leadership. Wrestling journalist Nishant Jayaram highlighted that moments like these, capturing raw emotion and layered character dynamics, are pivotal in elevating WWE’s sports entertainment status[3].

Cody Rhodes has come a long way since his early days in WWE, evolving from “The American Nightmare” into a multi-time world champion and company cornerstone. His recent SmackDown performance, amplified by Mark Henry’s endorsement, cements his reputation as one of the most emotionally compelling performers on the current roster. As SummerSlam approaches, all eyes remain fixed on the showdown between Rhodes and Cena, now imbued with greater narrative weight and genuine passion on both sides.

In summary, Mark Henry’s recognition of Cody Rhodes’ “trademark” passion is a strong reminder of why authentic emotional connection remains at the heart of WWE’s success. With sources backing the intensity of Rhodes’ backstage mindset and the storyline implications evident on SmackDown, fans can expect a dramatic and impactful encounter at SummerSlam 2025.

Key Takeaways for SEO and WWE Fans:

• Mark Henry praised Cody Rhodes’ powerful SmackDown promo, reaffirming his passionate style[3].
• The promo involved subtle but intense storytelling between Rhodes and John Cena, hinting at deeper intrigue for their SummerSlam headline match[1].
• Behind the scenes, Rhodes is reportedly fueled by genuine determination to reclaim WWE’s top prize[3].
• This segment exemplifies WWE’s commitment to layered storytelling and emotional depth under current creative leadership.
• SummerSlam 2025 is shaping up as a must-watch event, with high drama and raw passion leading the way.

Stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and Wrestling Inc. for continued coverage of Cody Rhodes, John Cena, and all the latest from WWE’s biggest events.