Cody Rhodes Says He’s Not Phased by ‘Petty’ Sami Zayn

WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes made the rounds on ESPN this morning, appearing on Get Up and also First Take. During the appearance, Cody Rhodes addressed his recent issues with his former friend, Sami Zayn, his match with Gunther, and more. Below are some highlights:

Cody Rhodes on Facing Gunther at Clash in Italy

“Well, looking at the legacies Gunther’s been involved with in terms of retired Goldberg, one of Stephen A’s favorites. Retired John Cena, retired AJ Styles. So, he’s had a record year. Uh, we like to say on SmackDown, I’m easy to find, and I’m hard to beat. And I think that’s the situation with Gunther is this isn’t a nostalgia match. It’s a prize fight. This is the prize, and I have to leave with it.”

On Gunther Holding His Title Over Him

“Well, you’re not going to remember much of it when he locks in that sleeper, which you want to avoid. You want to avoid that chop just like it’s a Mariana Rivera cutter. You don’t want to, you don’t want to take that pitch. But I will say this, when anybody holds the title over your head, the number one thing you’re thinking is, man, I hope he doesn’t drop it. I hope he doesn’t drop it. Cuz if that thing hits your face, you’re uh you’re screwed. You’re toast. But you could hear the WWE universe and how they felt about it, astounding boos all around. So I feel the same.”

Cody Rhodes on Being Betrayed by Sami Zayn

“Betrayal is a dramatic word. I like a bit of drama, but I am flaggmatic in my outlook on Sami Zayn. I am unfazed by his petty ass, and that’s all it is. It’s petty. It’s petty.”

On How He’s Moved on From Zayn

“If you get caught in the uh looking at WrestleMania 40, for example, I’m up on everyone’s shoulders. Everyone in that ring with me at this point has turned on me since WrestleMania 40. So, that’s what you have to do if you’re going to be in the Ric Flair spot. If you’re going to carry the chip, the best title in all of the game, you’ve got to get used to that. People want you to have success, but not that much success. You got to move on. Gunther is what’s in front of us. That’s the mountain to climb.”

This weekend, it will be Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the WWE Undisputed Championship at WWE Clash in Italy. The premium live event takes place on Sunday, May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN’s First Take, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.