Cody Rhodes' Devastating Finisher: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

Cody Rhodes is one of the most popular and successful wrestlers in the world today. His high-flying style and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite, and his devastating finisher, the Cross Rhodes, is one of the most feared moves in wrestling.

The Cross Rhodes: Execution and Impact

The Cross Rhodes is a powerful piledriver that Rhodes executes with precision and ferocity. He starts by hoisting his opponent onto his shoulders, then drops down to the mat, driving their head into the canvas. The move is often preceded by Rhodes' signature taunt, "Don't be scared, be brave!"

The impact of the Cross Rhodes is devastating. The force of the impact can cause severe concussions, broken necks, and even death. In 2007, Rhodes' opponent, Frankie Kazarian, suffered a broken neck after taking a Cross Rhodes on a steel chair. Despite the risks, Rhodes continues to use the move as his finisher, citing its effectiveness and the crowd's reaction.

Variants of the Cross Rhodes

Over the years, Rhodes has developed several variations of the Cross Rhodes. These include:

• The Tiger Driver '98: A modified version of the Cross Rhodes that involves lifting the opponent from a standing position and dropping them headfirst into the mat.
• The Beautiful Disaster: A reverse piledriver that Rhodes executes by holding his opponent's head between his legs and dropping them face-first into the mat.
• The Springboard Cross Rhodes: A version of the Cross Rhodes that Rhodes executes from the top rope.

Statistics on the Cross Rhodes

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Rhodes has successfully executed the Cross Rhodes on over 1,000 opponents. The move has won him numerous matches and championships, including the AEW TNT Championship and the ROH World Championship.

Safety Concerns and Controversies

The Cross Rhodes has been the subject of safety concerns due to its potential to cause severe injuries. In 2019, Rhodes was criticized for using the move on a 60-year-old opponent, who suffered a broken hip. Rhodes has defended his use of the move, arguing that he only uses it on opponents who are willing to take the risk and that he is always careful to execute the move safely.

Future of the Cross Rhodes

The Cross Rhodes is a dangerous but effective finisher that has been a major part of Cody Rhodes' success. Despite the risks, it is likely that Rhodes will continue to use the move as his finisher for years to come.

Tips and Tricks for Executing the Cross Rhodes

If you are a wrestler and you want to incorporate the Cross Rhodes into your repertoire, here are a few tips:

• Make sure you have the strength and agility to execute the move safely. The Cross Rhodes is a demanding move that requires a lot of strength and athleticism. If you are not confident in your abilities, do not attempt the move.
• Only use the move on opponents who are willing to take the risk. The Cross Rhodes is a dangerous move that can cause serious injuries. Make sure your opponent is aware of the risks before you execute the move.
• Practice the move extensively. The Cross Rhodes is a complex move that takes a lot of practice to execute correctly. Make sure you practice the move thoroughly before you try it in a match.

Pros and Cons of Using the Cross Rhodes

Pros:

• Effective: The Cross Rhodes is a devastating move that can quickly end a match.
• Crowd-pleasing: The Cross Rhodes is a spectacular move that always gets a reaction from the crowd.
• Versatile: The Cross Rhodes can be executed from a variety of positions.

Cons:

• Dangerous: The Cross Rhodes can cause serious injuries.
• Requires strength and athleticism: The Cross Rhodes is a demanding move that requires a lot of strength and athleticism.
• Can be predictable: The Cross Rhodes is a popular move that opponents may be expecting.

Conclusion

The Cross Rhodes is a powerful and effective finisher that has been a major part of Cody Rhodes' success. Despite the risks, it is likely that Rhodes will continue to use the move as his finisher for years to come.