'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMF/8QAHhABAAEEAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMAAgQRBQYhEyL/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP/EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEAAf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ay8jprh8jNBMYzfaxxxNioN46XZ7pq51XNgCLfEPz/O3DtuXXnrr2lKpDZFv/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto went awry when rapper Travis Scott stunned everyone with a surprise ring appearance with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena. Hip-hop legend got the welcome of a lifetime to professional wrestling with fans. Still, things got serious later, after it was revealed that his involvement put injured Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes out of action.
What was to be a histrionic portion to create anticipation for future games turned out in controversy, as people questioned if celebrities who are not trained should be permitted to engage in high-impact wrestling scenes. A fan surmised the general reaction echoed across social media platforms by saying,
"Damn. Praying for Cody. Y’all need to train these celebs before you let em come play"
Whereas WWE is used to having celebrities as part of their narrative, there has always been a thin line between sports entertainment and true competition. While trained wrestlers learn how to execute moves safely, celebrities who enter the squared circle without training may be hazards to themselves and others.
After the match, there were rumors that Cody Rhodes had suffered an injury, as Billboard reported that he suffered a busted eardrum and a black eye. The direct severity of the injury prompted instant alarm, and fans overwhelmed social media with their outrage.
Fans expressed their displeasure on social media
Shortly after the accident, social media was filled with fans reacting to the accident. Some were upset at the fact that Travis Scott, who has no wrestling experience, was allowed to participate in a segment that resulted in a real injury.
"Or maybe just don’t let them come play. Dude had no business being there." a fan ocommented
Another said, "Looks like Travis Scott brought more than just music to the Elimination Chamber! Cody Rhodes probably didn’t expect a smack that hard. Get well soon, Cody"
Some of the fans argued that WWE must have tougher rules when celebrities engage in physical brawls. Others criticized the segment as unsafe and unwarranted.
One fan said, "I hope he knows that he would’ve been in a full body cast if Rhodes had gone off script."
Others wondered if WWE should prioritize entertainment value over wrestler safety, particularly with WrestleMania 41 looming on the horizon. With Cody Rhodes competing on the biggest stage of the year, the injury might affect his performance and fuel speculation about having untrained celebrities show up in wrestling segments.
Some fans added how it is easy to get carried away without the proper training,
"This is why it’s called ‘professional’ wrestling, they practice day in and day out perfecting everything so they don’t hurt each other any more than they have to."
"Thats why WWE athletes should only be taking shots from trained professionals. Triple H went a little too far booking that spot." said yet another
What happened in the ring?
Cena earned a chance to face Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Title at WrestleMania 41 after a Men's Elimination Chamber match. To congratulate Cena, Rhodes entered. When Travis Scott and The Rock showed up, it was a startling turn of events. After that, the two men joined Cena in taking down Rhodes.
Scott slapped Rhodes forcefully on the left ear during the attack, a sudden action that seemed to knock the WWE Champion out. Rhodes even had to endure a heel turn from Cena and was left in a bloody state.
What's next for Cody Rhodes?
Despite the injury, it seems that Cody Rhodes is still going to appear on SmackDown happening the coming Friday. Whether he will address how serious his injury is or not is not known as of now.
His much-hyped bout with John Cena at WrestleMania 41 remains on track, though his health will be a factor in the hype. If the injury is bad enough to affect his ring work, WWE may have to change its plans.
Though professional wrestlers are taught to absorb punches and perform safely, some moves, especially from a beginner, are sure to lead to accidental injuries. Viewers who saw the tape are sure that Scott's slap was not performed safely, and an actual blow led to a broken eardrum. Injuries are always in the cards, but this accident has reignited controversy over the participation of untrained celebrities in WWE matches.
Also read: Users poke fun at Travis Scott’s punch on Cody Rhodes at WWE Elimination Chamber
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
