Cody Rhodes honors legendary wrestling veteran after SmackDown goes off the air 

This week, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes addressed the fans in Madison Square Garden. The champ honored his father Dusty Rhodes and shared what MSG meant to his family.

This week, WWE SmackDown emanated from the world's most famous arena Madison Square Garden. The historic venue has hosted several iconic WWE moments including the first ever WrestleMania. This was the same arena where Dusty Rhodes had won the WWE Championship from Superstar Billy Graham before it was taken away from him on a technicality.

During his promo after SmackDown, Cody Rhodes recounted the history of his father, Dusty Rhodes, and the elusive WWE Title. Rhodes became emotional as he recalled how he wanted to win the same championship and bestow it on his father.

"I was eight years old, I saw the picture of him holding this title. I knew nothing about the ins and outs of pro wrestling and sports entertainment. All I knew was I wanted to win that title for him. I had always planned on saying the silliest thing to him. I just wanted to tell him that nobody can take it away from you now." [1:40 - 2:15]

The champ then posed on the turnbuckle with the same old WWE title that his father held for a fleeting moment back in the 70s.

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Cody Rhodes brawled with The Bloodline

Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes led former mentor Randy Orton and Kevin Owens into a confrontation with The Bloodline.

As the show kicked off, the three babyfaces confronted Solo Sikoa and his cousins in the entranceway and a brawl ensued. The two teams fought bitterly until Cody and Co. were able to drive out The Bloodline. The likes of Rhodes, Orton, and Owens even beat down several WWE security personnel.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis then enlisted the help of the NYPD to escort the three stars out of the arena and into a vehicle that took them out of the venue.

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If you use the quotes from this article, please credit WWE and add an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcript.