But once the cameras stopped rolling, Rhodes was back on his feet, cheerful as ever.
In a lighthearted moment, he led the Salt Lake City crowd in celebrating the birthday of WWE’s beloved longtime cameraman, affectionately known only as Stu. After leading a chorus of “Happy Birthday,” Rhodes placed the WWE Title around Stu’s waist, and hoisted him onto his shoulders.
Again, this was just moments after being driven through a table by McIntyre. The same man who challenges Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title tonight at Saturday Night’s Main Event in the same arena, in front of the same fans who had just watched SmackDown.
Kayfabe has never been deader.
Even though most fans today know wrestling is scripted, maintaining the illusion — or kayfabe — is still vital to the magic of the business. Moments like this, after a brutal attack, shatter that illusion, reminding fans that what they just saw was, well, “fake.”
Rhodes’ gesture was like a post-credits blooper reel. Fun and well-meaning? Sure. But such moments belong in a comedy, not after a serious drama. Imagine John Wick ending with a gag reel — it would instantly deflate the tension.
A similar celebration could have worked just as well later in the night. Moments after Cody’s bash, LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa in a dark match and told fans his own birthday was on Nov. 1. Knight could have shared the spotlight with Stu instead, offering the same feel-good moment without breaking kayfabe.
While Rhodes’ gesture was charming, it sorely undercut the storyline’s drama, making it harder to invest in emotionally. Moreover, it downplayed the physical toll on wrestlers. And once dangerous spots appear less dangerous, performers may feel pressured to take even greater risks to maintain the illusion, increasing the likelihood of serious injury.
