Cody Rhodes Receives WWE Match Offer from Tom Brady at Fanatics Fest

Cody Rhodes received a surprise offer from NFL legend Tom Brady to have a WWE match at Fanatics Fest in New York City.

What happened?

During a live version of Cody Rhodes' podcast *What Do You Wanna Talk About?*, Tom Brady joined the professional wrestler for a chat. The seven-time Super Bowl champion expressed his interest in having a WWE match, citing his retired status from pro football and his desire to showcase his athleticism.

Why it matters for Cody Rhodes

Brady's comments come after he previously spoke ill of WWE, calling it "cute" compared to other pro sports. Cody Rhodes' podcast guest also shot down the notion that WWE stars belong in the same conversation as other pro athletes. However, Brady's interest in competing in a WWE match could be a significant opportunity for Cody Rhodes to take on a high-profile opponent.

What comes next?

Should Brady enter the squared circle, he would not be the first Hall of Fame athlete to transition to wrestling. Famously, Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman and Utah Jazz star Karl Malone have competed in WWE. Additionally, Pete Rose, Shaquille O'Neal, Floyd Mayweather, Lawrence Taylor, and Ronda Rousey have all made appearances in WWE.

Brady, 48, likely is a little worse for wear at this point. Still, he may have enough juice to take a bump or two in WWE. Cody Rhodes will have to decide whether to accept the challenge and put his money where his mouth is.

In March, the New England Patriots legend called WWE "cute" compared to other pro sports. "You know, all their stuff is so cute and scripted. They know what's going on. In a football game, you don't know, so they wouldn't get near me," the seven-time Super Bowl champion told Sports Illustrated.

Former NXT champion Oba Femi challenged Tom Brady to step in the ring and find out for himself just how "cute" it really is. "Those who think it's cute and it's fluffy and it's sweet and stuff, you can come and try and lace up some boots. Then, let's watch you puke," Femi said.

Longtime WWE producer and manager Paul Heyman said that Brady's efforts on the football field were less physical than WWE matches. "What's Tom Brady done? He's thrown a football across a field that was caught by Gronkowski," said Heyman. "Gronkowski deserves the credit. Belichick and his girlfriend deserve the credit. But Tom Brady?"

WWE Tag Team champion Logan Paul responded to Brady and said he was "the highest level of athlete." Perhaps, some day soon, Brady will be able to put his money where his mouth is.