Cody Rhodes, “The American Nightmare”, made dreams come true for one fan who was struck with a heartbreaking tragedy last fall.
Brock Koller of Action News chronicled the story about how Tyler Williams’ brother Marquise suddenly passed away on October 29, 2021, and the younger Williams brother found comfort through professional wrestling. On that day, Tyler took to Twitter to comment on his brother’s passing and note that AEW Rampage was keeping him and Marquise’s son company.
My brother passed away today. It's been a very dreary and upsetting day. But me and my nephew (his son) got #AEWRampage to keep up company ? pic.twitter.com/2L7dHyNjNS
— Sooplex (@Sooplexx) October 30, 2021
The next day, Rhodes, an AEW EVP who was still with the company at the time, responded to Tyler’s message by expressing his condolences and inviting him to the show the next time AEW was in town.
Speaking to Action News, Rhodes described his bond with his brother, Dustin; clearly, he was touched by Tyler’s relationship with Marquise.
“For Dustin and I having generational differences, wrestling is what brings us together more than anything,” Rhodes said. “We’re both doing it in different ways, trying to carry on our father’s legacy and what he started many years ago. But the most he and I are ever brother-brother are in the moments where we discuss what we do or if we get the opportunity to do things together.”
I’m very sorry for your loss and pain – That’s a beautiful family bond. My thoughts are with you. Would you guys like to come to a show near ya’ sometime?
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) October 30, 2021
In response to Rhodes’ initiation, Tyler thanked the former TNT Champion and noted that he and his nephew Jamar went to AEW’s Philadelphia taping, so the company likely wouldn’t be back for the foreseeable future.
Thank you so much for the words Cody. I would love nothing more than to take him to his first AEW Show! Unfortunately, we live in Philadelphia and you guys already passed us by. Myself and my other nephew attended and had fun. Ill gladly pass along this message to brothers son ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QbU9RrWQKb
— Sooplex (@Sooplexx) October 30, 2021
At the time, no one could have predicted that, just a few months later, Rhodes would leave AEW and sign with WWE. He returned to the latter company at WrestleMania 38, which threw his promise to bring Tyler and his family to an AEW show into limbo. Tyler told Action News that Jamar was “disheartened” when he learned about this development, as it likely meant that they wouldn’t be able to attend AEW’s return to Philadelphia.
Tyler then shared this news on Twitter, and Rhodes again rose to the occasion. He commented, “I got ya’ – check dms” on Tyler’s tweet.
I got ya’ – check dms ?
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) April 21, 2022
Looking back on it, Tyler stated that he was stunned by Rhodes’ reply because he figured “The American Nightmare” is a very busy man. He then recalled how Rhodes directly messaged him in order to secure the tickets.
Rhodes explained that, to him, it was just a matter of keeping his word because that’s the way he was raised. He stated that wrestling can’t fix the pain tragedy causes, but it can at least bring people together. This generosity meant the world to Tyler, who expressed his gratitude and his appreciation.
“I told him how much it meant to not only me, but my family that he would take such a selfless and kind act to comfort and accommodate us during this time,” said Tyler. “If he or anybody from his team or family reads this, Cody, from the bottom of my heart, thank you again. You’re a kind human being and I truly wish you the best in WWE and beyond.”
Rhodes has also given Tyler the gift of attending the live WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event show in Trenton on May 7. When asked about his decision to do so, “The American Nightmare” explained that he wanted Tyler and his family the ability to watch him. He also stated that the Williams are now part of Rhodes’ “Nightmare Family.”
“I tweeted that the night after I returned to WWE, at WrestleMania, ‘wrestling is a love story’ and I think for those who watch sports entertainment, watch wrestling, know exactly what I meant. (The Williams) family being one, and I’m excited that we’re able to get those (AEW) tickets. Now part of this selfishly, I want them to be able to see me wrestle as well. So we’re going to offer the same family the full WWE experience going to the Trenton, New Jersey show, and looks like we’ll just keep it keep going. We’ll just keep it going. They put it out there on social. Now they’re part of the ‘Nightmare Family.’ So wherever I go, hopefully, they go to,” Rhodes said.
Ahead of the AEW Dynamite in Philadelphia, Tyler stated that the whole experience has been “surreal.” Marquise’s birthday would have been the day after the show, so this week has been a challenging one for the family. Still, Tyler stated that being able to escape the pain through wrestling is quite meaningful, as it will help create happy memories for his nephews during this difficult time.
“It’s honestly very surreal how this all played out I tell you. When AEW Dynamite was announced for Philly on April 27, a lot of emotions came over me because I knew this was going to be a very heavy week for me and my family,” Williams said. “Being able to take them away from that feeling of trauma and sadness for just a few hours means so much. These shows will create happy memories for my nephews at a time when they need it most, and I can’t wait to give them that.”
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