Cody Rhodes is "full of himself," says WWE Hall of Famer

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has reigned supreme on SmackDown since April 2024, much to the delight of fans. However, there is a very vocal section of the WWE Universe, which also includes veterans of the industry, who believe Rhodes is wearing a pseudo-babyface-skin, and that he is actually a heel inside.

WWE Hall of Famers Bully Ray and Mark Henry echoed this sentiment on their podcast Busted Open recently. They agreed that if the heavily produced Georgia Tech Field promo this past Friday was instead done in the ring, then fans would have cheered for Roman Reigns and booed Cody Rhodes.

This is because of how The American Nightmare was delivering his lines feeling smug. When The Tribal Chief addressed how he lost everything in the last few months, including his family, The American Nightmare reminded him of what he said before WrestleMania, that all of these things were going to happen.

Mark Henry noted that he has got to a stage in his career, where he has been through hard times, and that his "sword is razor-sharp now":

"Cody is swinging it right now. He's full of himself. He can feel the power now," Henry said. "It's not always what you say, but how you say it." [From 18:50 to 19:23]

Meanwhile, a recent report has brought to light a topic of discussion within WWE. It appears Reigns vs. Rhodes III is being considered for WrestleMania 41 in Paradise, Nevada.

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Cody Rhodes on the rewarding experience of being a babyface, WWE's younger demographic

Cody Rhodes has opened up about his role as the ultimate babyface in WWE today. While speaking to Busted Open back in August, The American Nightmare acknowledged the fans' conviction that he is a heel just waiting to reveal himself.

However, he is not particularly interested in going there as far as his on-screen character is concerned. And that is because of the young fans. He articulated the value of the children who look up to him. On account of how he has been presented in the last few months, Rhodes is hesitant to execute a full-blown heel turn, as it will have major ramifications:

"A lot of people think, under it all, 'This guy's not a babyface, he's a heel.' I think people think of the potential that could come from what if. [...] In my mind, I don't know how they [young fans] would react to it. You want to be their guy, and you can't just say, 'Hey, I'm their guy.' You have to actually be their guy."

Among other veterans of the industry who hope to see Cody Rhodes turn heel is WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker. He believes The American Nightmare's "bigger run" would be as a villain.

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If you use the first quote, please credit Busted Open and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.