"Don't smile" - Former wrestler criticizes Cody Rhodes’ lack of intensity on WWE TV (Exclusive)

Modified Apr 07, 2025 05:52 GMT

Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion [Image: WWE.com]

Former WWE star EC3 feels Cody Rhodes lacks intensity during his promo segments. The star is currently on a collision course with John Cena.

Cody was the victim of an unforeseen heel turn from the Franchise Player. Cena embraced his dark side and demolished the champion at Elimination Chamber, setting up a matchup at WrestleMania.

On a recent episode of Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws, EC3 noted that the current creative team under Triple H knew Cody needed to have a grimace while being face-to-face with his assailant. The ex-WWE star also felt both Cena and Cody were experienced enough to carry out the segments seriously. EC3 was confused as to why there was such a disconnect with the angle.

"This is what's upsetting about it, too. You're talking about if Vince was there, where he got into the realm of babyfaces have to smile. Who's calling the shots now, creatively? Triple H in theory. You have John Cena, you have Cody Rhodes. They get it. Come on, they're there. They get it at the highest level. So it's like, where's that disconnect that Cody is coming out smiling and slapping hands and not having intensity. Is it from him? Is it from creative? Because creative and Triple H should know. Don't smile. He kicked you in the balls, and he made you a bloody mess. So I just wonder where that mandate is coming from." [2:20 onwards]

This past Monday on RAW, Cody Rhodes showed some grit during his confrontation with John Cena. After Cena tried to ambush him again, The American Nightmare planted him with the Cross Rhodes.

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About the author

Prityush is a WWE news writer for Sportskeeda Wrestling who started watching wrestling in the later part of The Attitude Era. Although he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Prityush was a creative writer for his college, and his flair for creativity and love of pro wrestling eventually led him to the journalism field. After an initial stint in 2016-2017, he has been writing regularly for Sportskeeda since 2021.

As someone who loves and respects the business, he prides himself on factual, clean, and ethical reporting, free of plagiarism and AI usage. One of the ways he ensures this is by transcribing videos that he reports on.

Prityush had the privilege of interviewing superstar Matt Hardy in his career so far. Although, his favorite wrestler is CM Punk, as he relates to his Straight Edge philosophy.

When he is not reporting news, he loves reading and collecting WWE action figures. He currently owns over 500 wrestling figures and merchandise.

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Edited by Rahul Madurawe