Major reason why WWE won't turn Cody Rhodes heel explained by legendary ex-manager (Exclusive)

Cody Rhodes is at the top of the WWE as its Undisputed Champion. Despite being the company's top babyface since his return, there has always been fan speculation about his heel turn. However, legendary former WWE manager Dutch Mantell doesn't think it would happen.

The American Nightmare became the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 40. After Roman Reigns' long run as a heel champion, Cody Rhodes brought a different feel to the WWE product as a babyface titleholder.

The possibility of a heel turn for Cody was brought up on this week's Smack Talk, and Dutch Mantell noted that WWE would not risk impacting their incredible merchandise sales for a booking swerve.

Rhodes has consistently been amongst WWE's top merchandise sellers and has proven to be a huge draw as a babyface. Dutch Mantell claimed that Cody's connection with the younger audience, similar to what John Cena had in his prime, could prevent the Triple H-led creative team from turning the reigning champion.

"I don't think so [Dutch shakes his head]. He'd [Cody] be a good one, but I think he is selling too much merchandise for them to throw that away. Kids are buying that stuff, left and right," he said. [32:40-33:02]

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns will join forces to face Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa at Bad Blood, and the highly anticipated match could potentially plant the seeds for the character evolution of all the performers involved, especially The American Nightmare.

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