Did Cody Rhodes Regret His Neck Tattoo? Fact-Checking Rumors, Placement Mistakes, and Regrets
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
How did a professional performer at the peak of his career end up with such prominent ink overnight? The truth involves rushed scheduling, misread proportions, and sheer stubbornness.
Tattoo artist Craig Brock was tasked with applying the piece just days before the pay-per-view. Cody initially debated placing the design across his chest, directly over his heart. He already carried a subtle tribute, the word "Dream" inked in small script on his chest in memory of his father. However, Cody felt a chest tattoo would stay hidden underneath wrestling vests and button-down shirts, defeating the purpose of carrying a permanent brand.
When the stencil went on his neck, things went sideways. In subsequent interviews, Rhodes noted that while looking in a handheld mirror during the sizing process, the scale appeared reasonable in a close-up reflection. What he failed to factor in was how the design framed his entire jawline and collarbone from a distance. By the time Brock finished the session, the skull extended from behind the right ear well onto the neck muscle. Cody loved the artistry, but the sheer footprint of the ink caught him off guard once the adrenaline faded.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
