Cody Rhodes: WWE SummerSlam was ‘a top moment in my life’

Defeating Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam was a life highlight for Cody Rhodes.

Rhodes and Lesnar ended their storyline at SummerSlam this past Saturday. After being beaten down for much of the match, Rhodes came back to get the victory. He pinned Lesnar after hitting three straight Cross Rhodes.

Rhodes was interviewed by SI FanNation following SummerSlam. Rhodes said the victory was a top moment in his career — and one of the top moments of his life.

“I have been so consistently surprised that I can’t get used to these moments. First I won the Royal Rumble. Now I beat Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam? They’re once-in-a-lifetime moments in a once-in-a-lifetime run,” Rhodes said. “This is my mega run, and the journey has been incredible. This is a top moment in my career, and it’s also a top moment in my life.”

Lesnar showed respect to Rhodes by shaking his hand after the match. The two hugged and Lesnar raised Rhodes’ arm in the air.

“As I saw him taking his gloves off, I sincerely thought he was going to start swinging,” Rhodes told SI FanNation. “Then we went head-to-head, and it felt like we were a millisecond away from starting up again. So I didn’t anticipate that handshake coming.

“When I saw his hand, I was grateful. That’s not something he does. Again, this run has consistently surprised me. The torch isn’t passed. You have to take it.”

Rhodes said he and Lesnar didn’t talk backstage after the handshake.

“I came to the back, there was a nice ovation in the Gorilla Position, but Brock was nowhere to be found,” Rhodes said. “I didn’t see him the rest of the night. The way I see it, we didn’t need to speak. Brock left it all in the ring.”

This was Rhodes’ second victory over Lesnar in a three-month period. Rhodes defeated Lesnar at SummerSlam and Backlash, while Lesnar won at Night of Champions.