Newly-crowned Ring of Honor World Champion Cody Rhodes spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to talk about various topics. Here are the highlights.

On Daniel Bryan teasing a return to ROH to wrestle him:

“I don’t think it was a challenge, just fun,” said Rhodes. “Daniel Bryan remains one of my friends. Final Countdown would be a welcomed tune, even as a competitor. I have always looked up to Dan. It would be major, major box office for all involved.”

On facing Kazuchika Okada:

“Okada could main event anywhere, and that includes WWE,” said Rhodes. “Okada has the elusive connection with the audience, the one you can just feel in your skin. When he’s up, they’re up; when he’s hurt, they’re hurt. In big matches like the ones he’s had with Kenny Omega, he’s a damn celestial.”

On Goldust:

“I love that Goldust returned to the ‘Golden Age’,” said Rhodes. “I’m very proud of Dustin. One of the reasons we butted heads in WWE was because of timing. He was looking for redemption after the original Goldust run, and he was out to prove he had more left. He absolutely has more left, and he is wrestling’s version of Ra’s al Ghul. He is out there turning it up, on TV and at the live events. He’s got a lot left, but when he does hang it up, he’ll be Hall of Fame bound. I’m very proud of my brother.”