WWE Champion Cody Rhodes knows a thing or two about finishing a story and supports the former interim UFC Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier trying to do the same in UFC 302.
Just like Poirier in the UFC, Rhodes fought his way to the top of the WWE. The son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes didn’t make it in his first stint in WWE. He decided to leave, wrestle all over the world and help found a rival company, AEW. In the process, his name became bigger than ever, leading to a triumphant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas.
A year later, Rhodes would have the chance to win WWE’s most coveted title, the Universal Championship, which belonged to Roman Reigns. At WrestleMania 39 under the bright lights of Los Angeles, Rhodes fought in the main event against Reigns, vowing to “finish history.” However, Reigns maintained its position on top, and Rhodes would begin another year-long campaign full of twists and turns to earn another shot at Reigns.
Like Rhodes, Poirier has grown exponentially over the years, but has struggled to reach the pinnacle of the UFC by becoming an undisputed champion.
“The Diamond” became interim UFC champion, but that wasn’t the goal. In an attempt to unify the title against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242, he failed. Four fights later, against Charles Oliveira, Poirier had a second chance, but once again failed to secure the gold.
In the main fight of UFC 302, against Islam Makhachev, Poirier gets his third chance. It could very well be the last too. Perhaps it is now or never that Poirier “finishes his story”.
Rhodes understands Poirier’s position. It was his last shot at WWE’s top prize at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, in a rematch against Reigns under rules that greatly compromised his chances of winning. However, “The American Nightmare” achieved your dream overcoming the odds to defeat Reigns, and still holds the crown today.
Poirier has a difficult task ahead of him. Will he “finish the story?”
In the latest reminder of the partnership with WWE and UFC under the TKO umbrella, Rhodes cut an inspiring promo on Poirier, encouraging him to finish the job against Makhachev.
Check it out in the video below (via Facebook):
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 302.
