Has Cody Rhodes changed his mind about a major WWE career move? Former manager shares insider information

Whether Cody Rhodes succeeded in keeping the viewers hooked throughout his Undisputed WWE Championship reign is up for debate. But he certainly has managed to spike interest by announcing a Ladder match against bitter rival Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 1, 2025.

The American Nightmare remains a very popular babyface through the lens of the WWE Universe, especially the younger demographic. He has always been articulate about why he does not wish to be a villain. It is for the kids. Wrestling personality Konnan recalls Cody Rhodes' refusal to turn heel in AEW.

Konnan and Disco Inferno discussed The American Nightmare's supposed indifference towards a heel turn in his career moving forward on a recent episode of their podcast Keepin' It 100. The 60-year-old veteran wondered whether Rhodes had changed his mind regarding the same:

"I'm not sure [about Cody Rhodes turning heel] because when he was in AEW he wouldn't turn heel even though he's being booed. And I remember asking QT—is this guy serious about not turning heel? He goes, 'Yeah.' But his mind might have changed, you know? He probably understands [that] before they start booing me, maybe I need to turn," Konnan speculated. [From 1:48 to 2:06]

Cody Rhodes conquered the industry's top heel at the time, Roman Reigns, at WrestleMania XL in April 2024. Since then, AJ Styles, Solo Sikoa, and Kevin Owens were some of the names thrown to the wolves, so to speak.

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Does the WWE Universe want to see Cody Rhodes on the other end of the spectrum?

According to Konnan, Roman Reigns will always stand a few steps above Cody Rhodes as the widely popular babyface WWE Superstar. So why shouldn't The American Nightmare claim the top spot on the heel side?

Disco Inferno believes The American Nightmare can turn to the dark side in the snap of a finger if he wishes to. In the aforementioned episode of K100, Inferno articulated a scenario in which the current Undisputed WWE Champion becomes a villain:

"I could see Cody turning heel by doing something so simple that after he gets beat, does something like what Kevin Owens did to him. Like, if Cody gets beat, he gets beat clean, and he gets up afterward, he's looking around and he hits the guy from behind, he gives him two Cross Rhodes. The guy just lays him out," Disco Inferno noted.

Kevin Owens turned on The American Nightmare after Bad Blood in October 2024. Cody's seemingly controversial decision to team up with their worst enemy, Roman Reigns, led to the subsequent chain of events.

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If you use any of the quotes, please credit K100 and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.