WWE Champion believes ‘there’s a reason for everyone to come to new Entertainment Destination’ | OneFootball

Manchester City recently welcomed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Champion Cody Rhodes to the Etihad Stadium.

The professional wrestler, who also goes by the nickname 'The American Nightmare', was in town ahead of WWE’s stunning show at Co-op Live on Wednesday night.

The recently opened state-of-the-art arena is situated just opposite the site of Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, which is currently being built on the Etihad Campus.

Ahead of the show, Cody visited the Etihad Stadium, with WWE Championship belt in tow, where he explored the first team dressing room, went pitch-side and sat in the dugout.

Cody also had the opportunity to view the Club’s ambitious £300m plans for a new year-round entertainment destination launching in late 2026.

Commenting on the plans, Cody, said: “The key components to a good entertainment district, are a combination of a bunch of good things. The number one thing is immersion. If you’re going to the Etihad Stadium or Co-op Live, you know you’re in your good time zone.  You’re in your moment.  You can escape whatever you left on the way.

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“Every City wants to have the best. The best thing. The best stadium.  The best arena.  A one-stop-shop to have them both here, seems like a slam dunk. This seems like something for Manchester City and the City of Manchester. There’s a reason for everyone to come. I think it’s amazing.”

Approved proposals for the Entertainment Destination are centred around an expanded North Stand, which will see the Club increase the Etihad Stadium capacity to over 60,000.

When asked if he’d return for a City game and speak to Blues fans when the new enclosed City Square fan zone opens, with capacity for 3,000 people, Cody, said: “I would love to.”

Cody’s joins a growing list of sports athletes and music artist that have given their seal of approval to the Club’s plans.

Last month, City fan Joe Jonas compared it to "something out of an Avengers movie’" while Kings of Leon drummer, and also a City fan, Nathan Followill said: "It looks phenomenal, like its own Olympic village."

In addition, the new development will also boast a wide variety of food and drink outlets, a new club shop, museum experience, roof-walk experience and commercial office space and a 400-bed hotel.

More information on the plans can be found here.