WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes recently revisited the infamous moment at the 2025 Elimination Chamber where rapper Travis Scott surprised the WWE Universe—and Rhodes himself—with a brutal open-hand slap that caused a legitimate injury. Speaking openly in various interviews, including a candid appearance on the “Hot Ones” podcast, Rhodes confirmed the painful incident and explained why despite suffering a burst eardrum and a conspicuous black eye, he harbors no ill will toward Scott.
During the Elimination Chamber event in March 2025, an intense storyline unfolded involving John Cena turning heel for the first time in his WWE career, aligning himself with The Rock and Travis Scott against Cody Rhodes. As chaos erupted, Scott unexpectedly delivered a powerful slap to the side of Rhodes’ head, which was far from a planned wrestling move. The slap caused Rhodes significant damage, including a ruptured eardrum and visible facial bruising, which drew considerable attention from fans and wrestling media alike[1][2].
Cody Rhodes vividly recalls the moment, describing the slap as a “potato,” a colloquial term indicating a heavy and impactful strike. Despite the severity of the injury, Rhodes took the incident in stride. He expressed respect for Travis Scott, acknowledging that having a major celebrity like Scott involved with WWE events adds tremendous value and excitement to the product. Rhodes said during the “Hot Ones” interview, “If anyone ever wonders why I didn’t slap him back or hit him with a Cross Rhodes, it’s because he’s gracing us with his presence”[1].
The presence of celebrities in WWE has long been a double-edged sword. While they attract new viewers and create buzz, there are often concerns about their in-ring experience and safety. In this case, Scott’s slap was an unfortunate mishap, seemingly stemming from a lack of wrestling training rather than malice. Behind the scenes, WWE sources stress that while WWE carefully choreographs such segments, unpredictable moments sometimes occur when mixing wrestling and celebrity appearances[1][3].
Multiple wrestling news outlets and fan-shot footage from the event highlighted the unexpected nature of Scott’s strike, showing Rhodes’ reaction of genuine surprise and pain. The slap was not a closed fist punch but an open-handed one, which many analysts argue may have been even more dangerous given its location near the ear. The injury was serious enough that it caused medical complications for Rhodes but did not lead to a prolonged absence from WWE programming[3][4].
Despite the risks, Rhodes sees the involvement of stars like Travis Scott as an essential evolution for WWE’s entertainment reach. He remarked on how WWE has changed over the years by incorporating diverse entertainers, making the product more appealing to a broader audience. Prior to this era, celebrity appearances were rarer and typically less integrated. Now, WWE embraces this crossover as part of its growth strategy[1].
In confirming the injury, Rhodes noted he wished a more seasoned wrestler was responsible for the blow rather than a visiting celebrity. Nevertheless, he praised Scott’s hand size humorously and maintained his appreciation, stating, “You have The Rock in the ring, you have Cena, but Travis Scott? Man, he’s got a big old hand.” His lighthearted approach underscores his professionalism and understanding of the intricacies involved when celebrities get physically involved in wrestling[1].
Sources close to WWE confirmed that the company took immediate steps after the incident to ensure all involved understood wrestling safety protocols better when celebrities participate in live segments. WWE reportedly has increased training and rehearsals for non-wrestlers joining in-ring actions to prevent similar mishaps[1].
The Elimination Chamber 2025 incident remains one of the more talked-about celebrity wrestling moments in recent WWE history, highlighting both the potential risks and rewards of star power crossover. Wrestling journalist coverage emphasizes that while fans love the drama, safety must remain paramount to protect WWE’s athletes[2][5].
In summary, while Travis Scott’s slap caused real injury to Cody Rhodes, the veteran WWE star’s response has been one of professionalism, humor, and understanding. Rhodes values the addition of celebrities like Scott to WWE’s evolving entertainment landscape and refuses to let the incident overshadow the positive aspects they bring. As WWE continues to blend sports and entertainment, this episode is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performances and the resilience of its performers.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, CBS Sports, Wrestling Inc., Times of India, and interviews including Cody Rhodes’ appearance on the “Hot Ones” podcast.