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Cody Rhodes was instrumental in the creation of AEW. He hit a mid-card ceiling in WWE and for years tried to break through it. WWE, however, had other ideas. Instead of banking on the genuine popularity of his tag team with half-brother Goldust, they burdened him with the gimmick of Stardust.
Stardust was a corrupt version of Goldust, without any of the latter's over-the-top antics. Rhodes tried his best with the gimmick but eventually became frustrated with his failure. After his WWE release, he became a prominent name on the independent circuit and NJPW before becoming a crucial part of AEW's creation.
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Cody Rhodes has since acted as the first opponent for the new AEW stars. He is currently embroiled in an intensely personal rivalry with Malakai Black. A section of the professional wrestling community even sees the rivalry as the perfect spot for the former AEW TNT Champion to turn heel.
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Rhodes has repeatedly displayed his comfort in playing a villain in the past. Here are three reasons why he should turn heel and two reasons why he should remain a face.
#3 Why Cody Rhodes should turn heel: AEW fans have rejected him
AEW fans have firmly rejected Cody Rhodes as a face to the point where the company's resilience to maintain Rhodes as a face seems laughable. However, Rhodes' recent match against Malakai Black was impressive.
But when The American Nightmare won the match, the commentators put it over as an emotional match. They either failed to mention or chose to avoid the fact that the spectators in the arena disapproved of Rhodes' victory.
It was a reaction fit for a masterful heel. As he is already receiving heat, he should embrace villainy by attacking The Nightmare Family.
#2 Why Cody Rhodes should remain a face: The former AEW TNT Champion does not want to turn heel
The AEW Executive Vice President has repeatedly stated that he does not want to turn heel. He claimed to retire before embracing the role of a villain.
Rhodes knows it is disappointing for fans, but he does not want to act like a villain on television while being part of the AEW community outreach group and father to a little girl.
However, Cody is a professional wrestler, and his words can hardly be trusted. He might declare a storyline retirement, like the one he attempted a few weeks back, before returning as a heel.
#2 Why Cody Rhodes should turn heel: A family feud with AEW star Dustin Rhodes
Dustin Rhodes is an ageless wrestler. He moves similar to wrestlers half his age, and his tremendous work ethic boosts any roster. However, his best trait is an inherent capability to produce a cathartic atmosphere in the middle of any rivalry or match.
What could pack more emotional impact than a villainous Cody Rhodes victimizing his brother? They have already delivered a high-spirited match at AEW's inaugural Double or Nothing, and another similar feud would undoubtedly be excellent.
#1 Why Cody Rhodes should remain a face: A battle between the EVPs of AEW
Except for Cody Rhodes, all AEW Executive Vice Presidents are currently playing villainous roles. Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks are presently dominating the promotion as part of The Elite.
A feud between the founding fathers of the promotion will have high stakes. Cody Rhodes may make an ally of Hangman Page, one of the earliest signees of AEW, and eventually, help him win the World Championship from Omega.
As Page is the company's most beloved face, Rhodes will possibly regain love from the fans with his attempts to help 'The Cowboy' reach the top.
#1 Why Cody Rhodes should turn heel: He breaks promise and eyes the AEW World Championship
Cody Rhodes cannot fight for the AEW World Championship for the rest of his career. He faced Chris Jericho in a match with said stipulation and lost it. Since the loss, he has remained steadfast in carrying out the promise.
But what if Rhodes truly becomes The American Nightmare, breaks his promise by a storyline method, and begins a rivalry with Hangman Page for a shot at the AEW World Championship?
At this point, Rhodes has tremendous heel heat, which will only increase if he breaks his promise and battles the most beloved face on AEW. Furthermore, this is the only way he can logically fight for the championship.
