Wrestling veteran Cody Rhodes recently identified Death Riders member Claudio Castagnoli, alongside powerhouse competitors like Brock Lesnar and Big Show, as possessing unbelievable strength inside the squared circle during an appearance on the Double Coverage Podcast, f4wonline.com reported.
Unmatched Powerhouses in the Squared Circle
Rhodes detailed a comprehensive list of exceptional competitors encountered throughout his career, pointing to specific instances of raw physical dominance. Mark Henry’s historic achievements in weightlifting and Strongman tournaments set a baseline for functional power. Meanwhile, Big Show left a lasting impression through sheer mass and reserve strength. “Big Show got upset with me one night and he hit me on the chin and it was maybe the only time I ever went out and I came back quick,” Rhodes stated on the podcast.
The evaluation extended to contemporary athletes who consistently rewrite strength metrics. Big E was cited for breaking records across nationwide training facilities, while Claudio Castagnoli—formerly known as Cesaro during his extensive WWE tenure—earned praise for his unique pound-for-pound capabilities. John Cena and rising powerhouse Bron Breakker rounded out the modern strength tier discussed during the interview.
| Athlete | Primary Strength Attribute | Key Milestone / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Henry | Olympic Lifting / Strongman | Historic weightlifting achievements and tournament wins |
| Big Show | Reserve Mass / Knockout Power | Noted for overwhelming functional size and striking impact |
| Big E | Gym Record-Breaker | Noted for breaking lifting records across national training facilities |
| Claudio Castagnoli | Pound-for-Pound Power | Praised for exceptional, unyielding functional strength |
The Terrifying Speed of Brock Lesnar
Beyond stationary power, Rhodes analyzed the unique psychological and physical challenge posed by Brock Lesnar. Rather than relying solely on a hulking, giant aesthetic, Lesnar’s threat level stemmed from explosive acceleration. “It wasn’t the fact that this giant hulking fearsome looking individual was coming after you. It was how fast he was. His speed was genuinely, it’s terrifying from a performative standpoint,” Rhodes explained.
The discussion also shifted to broader roster evaluations, with Rhodes highlighting Bianca Belair’s athletic credentials as establishing her among the top tier of performers in the industry. The remarks provide a rare look into how active roster leaders evaluate the physical thresholds required to perform at the highest levels of professional wrestling.
