Podcast Summary: "What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes" Featuring Kevin Owens

Episode Details

• Title: What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes
• Guest: Kevin Owens
• Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction and Setting The episode diverges from the usual setting aboard Cody Rhodes' bus, transporting listeners to the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Hosted by Cody Rhodes ("B") and featuring WWE Superstar Kevin Owens ("A"), the ambiance is reminiscent of a hidden speakeasy, setting a relaxed tone for the ensuing conversation.

Wrestling Career and Key Moments

Feud with Roman Reigns and Damian Priest
Kevin Owens delves into his tumultuous feud with Roman Reigns during the pandemic era of 2021. He recounts how WWE intended to pair him with Damian Priest as an ally against Reigns' "Bloodline," a decision Owens vehemently opposed.

"No one would believe that we're best friends. We could not be more opposite." (03:16)

This storyline, Owens explains, was abruptly changed, leading to a favorite Royal Rumble match that fans cherished. Despite the creative differences, Owens acknowledges that Priest's main roster debut was a significant career move for the younger talent.

Big Show Incident and Friendship
A pivotal moment in the episode centers around Owens' relationship with Big Show. Owens shares a memorable story from an all-talent event at the Big Texan Steakhouse, where a spilled drink leads to an unexpected incident involving Big Show breaking his chair—all sparked by Owens successfully making him laugh.

"I kicked Kevin with a disaster kick, and he kicked out before I even cut." (16:44)
"He broke his chair right then and there. And Sean told me right then and there, you're in forever." (25:44)

This incident not only cemented their friendship but also marked Owens' entry into what he refers to as Big Show's "Golden Circle."

Business and Independent Scene Insights

Navigating the Independent Circuit
Owens reflects on the challenges wrestlers face on the independent scene, particularly regarding fair compensation and branding. He emphasizes the importance of charging reasonable prices to ensure promoters are fairly compensated, distinguishing himself from some ex-WWE talents who may overprice their appearances.

"Don't rob the bank. Price yourself fairly so that you can keep going." (12:37)

His collaboration with Cody Rhodes in creating a curated list of indie shows showcases their strategic approach to building a sustainable wrestling career outside the WWE umbrella.

Merchandising and Social Media Strategy
Drawing inspiration from Colt Cabana, Owens discusses the necessity of leveraging social media and merchandising to build a personal brand. He credits Colt for encouraging him to embrace platforms like Twitter and to innovate with on-demand merchandise, which he implemented successfully to support his wrestling endeavors.

"Get on Twitter, tweet every day. You gotta like, this is how you're gonna grow your following." (29:40)

Personal Stories and Relationships

Supportive Relationships
The camaraderie between Owens and Rhodes extends beyond the ring, touching on personal support systems. Owens shares heartfelt moments, including traveling to Japan with Rhodes and observing how Rhodes interacts with his son, Owen.

"I wish I could interact with him the way you did... But then I kind of realized later on, like, it's not my role." (52:32)

Dusty Rhodes' Influence
A significant portion of the conversation honors the late Dusty Rhodes, highlighting his mentorship and the profound impact he had on Owens' career. Owens recounts a transformative encounter with Dusty on a flight, where Dusty's belief in Owens' potential overcame initial doubts.

"He told me, no way you can do it. No way you can make that happen. You have three weeks. Can't do it." (43:46)
"We spent an hour talking about life, about family, about everything. Not one talk about wrestling." (44:00)

This mentorship reinforced Owens' commitment to balancing his wrestling career with his responsibilities as a father.

Challenges and Personal Life

Injury and Recovery
Towards the episode's conclusion, Owens opens up about a recent severe neck injury sustained during a match. He details the initial nonchalant symptoms that escalated, leading to a spinal cord injury requiring imminent surgery.

"The symptoms all came in one shot. Every symptom you’d expect me to have..." (71:16)
"I can't wait for the surgery and then to move forward, whatever that looks like." (72:30)

Owens candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll of his injury, expressing optimism for recovery while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the extent of his surgery.

Future Plans and Closing

Wrestling Aspirations and Partnerships
Despite the setback, Owens remains hopeful about returning to the ring. He emphasizes the importance of support from friends and colleagues, including Randy Orton and Sammy Guevara, who are integral to his support system. The conversation also touches on potential future collaborations and the enduring friendships forged through shared experiences in the wrestling world.

Cody and Kevin's Collaborative Energy
The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter about future wrestling scenarios, including Survivor Series team-ups and humorous interactions fueled by their camaraderie. Owens and Rhodes celebrate their friendship and mutual respect, underscoring the episode's overarching theme of brotherhood both inside and outside the squared circle.

Notable Quotes

• "I have nothing against Damian Priest, but no one would believe that we're best friends." (03:16)
• "Big Show took one look at me laughing and broke his chair. That's when I knew I was in forever." (25:44)
• "Don't rob the bank. Price yourself fairly so that you can keep going." (12:37)
• "Consistency is key, but sometimes it becomes the norm and barely noticed." (69:08)
• "My family is the real motivation behind all this." (47:53)

Conclusion This episode of "What Do You Wanna Talk About?" offers an intimate glimpse into Kevin Owens' wrestling journey, his relationships within the industry, and the personal challenges he faces. Through engaging storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Owens and Rhodes provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the WWE superstar persona.