Kobe vs. Cody: Who wore it best?

On the court these days, Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant is reminiscent of Cody Rhodes, having snaggied the reigning Intercontinental Champion's former look. Throughout much of 2011, the second generation Superstar viewed the world and its inhabitants as ugly through a translucent mask, and wore it long after he had recovered from a broken nose injury - that is, until Randy Orton disposed of the armor during a SmackDown bout in early November (WATCH). Since having his own nose broken by Dwayne Wade during the NBA's All-Star Game last month, Kobe has sported eerily similar protection - and, according to some NBA fans, a more aggressive streak.

Kobe Bryant?? Cody Rhodes
??????????????????? 2012 Kobe Bryant???????????????????????????????????????? 2011 Cody Rhodes

But who wore it best?

Prior to donning the mask, Kobe Bryant won five NBA Championships, earned the 2008 MVP honors, and was legendarily at odds with one of his former teammates, Shaquille O'Neal (who, despite some earlier statements made by him, is not participating in Miami at WrestleMania XXVIII). He will no doubt cease wearing the mask once his injury sufficiently heals, though his Lakers teammates may not be as quick to recover. The team has garnered a 3-2 record since Kobe broke his nose at this year's All-Star Game, while ongoing trade rumors threaten to unravel the fabric of the team. Nevertheless, it hasn't slowed down the self-professed "Black Mamba," who has scored at least 30 points in each of those Lakers victories.

Before his injury, Cody Rhodes was a four-time Tag Team Champion who was part of Randy Orton's Legacy, one of the most dominating factions in WWE history. Yet it was after his probiscis broke that Rhodes truly came unto his own. Yes, he angered the WWE Universe by insisting its members cover their faces with his own supplied paper bags. But he also picked up a career-making WrestleMania victory over Rey Mysterio, then won the Intercontinental Championship and returned the title to its most prestigious "face," all while wearing the prodigious mask. He has continued to carry the championship gold well after ridding himself of the facial armor (READ MORE), and is now at the peak of his career en route to facing Big Show on perhaps the giant's least favorite day of the year: WrestleMania.

The parallels are intriguing, to say the least. Though one thing's for certain: Kobe won't be handing out paper bags at the STAPLES Center any time soon.

Who do YOU think wore it best? We want to hear from the WWE Universe. Tweet your thoughts with #kobecody.

Source: http://www.wwe.com/inside/kobe-cody-who-wore-it-better

taylor swift and zac efron basketball wives manny ramirez easter 2012 lisa lampanelli lisa lampanelli bachelor