Cody Rhodes Is a Force to Be Reckoned With
After struggling with the creative direction of his Stardust character, Cody Rhodes left WWE and started performing on the independent circuit. He built a loyal following and played a key role in the launch of AEW three years later.
However, he will need to do more than flashy entrances and emotional promos to stay on top of the industry.
He’s a good communicator
Cody Rhodes is a good communicator because he speaks clearly, and never says the wrong thing. He is also very intelligent and understands the wrestling business. In addition, he is very marketable and attractive. His personality and looks make him a very popular professional wrestler.
On the July 30 episode of Raw, Cody Rhodes fought Daivari in a tag team match to keep his job and then feuded with The World’s Greatest Tag Team. He won both of these feuds, pinning Daivari and defeating The World’s Greatest Tag Team in a six-man tag team match.
After leaving WWE, Rhodes has exploded in independent wrestling, winning multiple championships and forming a successful heel stable with The Young Bucks. In addition, he has co-founded All Elite Wrestling, a professional wrestling promotion with financial backing from the owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is a trailblazer for wrestlers seeking creative independence and is an inspiration to others. He is also an incredibly talented performer, both in and out of the ring.
He’s a good crossover star
While many WWE fan favorites burn out quickly, Cody Rhodes has maintained a steady presence in the industry. His merch consistently ranks among the top sellers, and his appearances often spike TV ratings. He is also a talented promoter who can connect emotionally with the audience.
Rhodes debuted in TNA at Bound for Glory, where he defeated Mike Bennett and his wife Maria to begin a feud with them. He then returned to AEW and won the inaugural TNT Championship, but left due to contract disputes with the company.
After leaving AEW, Cody returned to WWE in 2023, winning the 30-man Royal Rumble and challenging the reigning undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns. He lost the match after interference from Seth Rollins, but Rhodes' story continued to grow as he feuded with Reigns and became the face of Raw. His redemption arc has resonated with fans, and he is well-positioned to be the next face of WWE.
He’s a good personality
While some wrestlers have a gimmick that’s hard to connect with, Cody Rhodes has a likable personality. He’s the ideal babyface, selling an “all-American” hero story that resonates with fans. He’s also an excellent in-ring performer, combining classic wrestling techniques with modern high spots.
On the June 16 episode of Raw, he debuted a new character named Stardust, complete with face paint and a bodysuit similar to his father’s. He teamed up with Goldust to win the Tag Team Championship, but their reign was short-lived.
After leaving WWE, Rhodes made his way around the independent circuit, winning titles with Northeast Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, What Culture Pro Wrestling, and Ring of Honor. He also appeared on the reality television show Go-Big Show (2021- ). In AEW, Rhodes has shown his versatility by working both as an in-ring performer and behind the scenes. He’s helped cultivate talent and crafted storylines, and his matches often feature a combination of classic wrestling techniques and modern high spots.
He’s a good performer
With his impressive in-ring skills, Cody Rhodes is a force to be reckoned with. He is also an excellent storyteller who can create engaging matches with top-tier talent. His matches against MJF, Kenny Omega, and Chris Jericho have left fans on the edge of their seats.
After a successful career in Ohio Valley Wrestling, Rhodes was promoted to the main roster and became a two-time Intercontinental Champion. He was also a prolific tag team wrestler, winning six tag team championships (three World and three WWE) with four different partners.
Rhodes was a founding member of AEW and served as the company’s executive vice president until his departure in 2022. He has also made appearances on television, including a recurring role on Arrow and a guest spot on Food Network Challenge. In addition to wrestling, Rhodes is a philanthropist and owns Nightmare Factory, a professional wrestling school in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the face of Wheatley American Vodka and is involved in a partnership with AEW.
