Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes considers Louisville a 'homecoming'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With a dream comes a nightmare.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes knew from a young age that he wanted to be in the ring. He grew up around wrestling with his father, Dusty Rhodes, who was a legend in the sport.

Before Rhodes steps foot into the KFC Yum! Center on Friday night for WWE Smackdown, he joined us on WDRB Mornings on Friday to talk about the upcoming show and his career.

When Rhodes started back in wrestling after his break in the sport, he was given the name "The American Nightmare" after his father, who was known as "The American Dream."

Growing up, he was instantly intrigued by the neighborhood fame that followed his father. It wasn't until he was 7 years old that he went to his first match and knew that he was very interested in wrestling himself.

"I didn't want to be backstage. I didn't want to know secrets. I wanted to be out there," Rhodes said. "There was no turning back."

Rhodes said he learned a lot about the business from his father, who had a mindset of "if you do anything, do it to be the best." Rhodes has been in the business for 18 years and is just starting to figure it out.

"He was a really wonderful mentor but also a hall-of-fame-level dad," Rhodes said. "I have a 3-year-old daughter now and I want to be as good for her as he was for me."

The show is setting up to be a big one at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday. Rhodes said he considers Louisville a homecoming because he used to live in Hillview.

"Smackdown is the flagship show for WWE," Rhodes said . "You will be able to feel that special Louisville energy."

Tickets for the show are still available, starting at $20. You can purchase them here.