Santino Marella and Cody Rhodes recall bodybuilding competition in WWE
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 3:39 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Santino Marella and Cody Rhodes shared their accounts of a bodybuilding competition that started during a WWE tour in Europe. The event, leading up to WrestleMania 25, had a significant buildup, including a friendly rivalry between the two wrestlers. Marella noted he undertook serious training for the contest, resulting in a 30-pound weight loss. They recounted the competition's details, including a talent portion where audience cheers influenced the outcome. The dialogue highlights the camaraderie and competition that can exist among wrestlers when on the road.
- •Marella and Rhodes competed in bodybuilding during a tour in Europe.
- •Contest culminated at WrestleMania 25 after months of buildup.
- •Marella lost 30 pounds leading up to the event.
- •Audience votes determined the winner of the competition.
- •Rhodes performed a backflip while Marella showcased a Russian dance.
- 3:39 PMWrestling Inc — Santino Marella & Cody Rhodes Recall Starting Bodybuilding Competition In WWE
"Santino Marella and Cody Rhodes have different versions of events surrounding a bodybuilding competition that took place around WWE WrestleMania 25.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WWE•Aug 17, 2026, 5:00 PMCody Rhodes Vs. Randy Orton Made Official For WWE Sunday Night's Main Event
WWE•Aug 17, 2026, 4:52 PMWWE Star Montez Ford Releases Third Hip-Hop Album
WWE•Aug 17, 2026, 4:42 PMWrestling legends return to the Wildwood boardwalk
WWE•Aug 17, 2026, 4:30 PMFormer WWE official apologizes for QAnon-linked past after indie comeback
WWE•Aug 17, 2026, 4:10 PMVOTE for The Star Press IU Health Preseason Football Player of the Year
WWE•Aug 17, 2026, 3:44 PMAEW Star Switchblade Jay White & His Wife Expecting Their First Child