Matt Hardy names WWE SmackDown star as Babyface of the Year

Matt Hardy performed as both a babyface and heel during his combined 19 years in WWE between 1994 and 2020. In a recent podcast episode, the wrestling legend named Cody Rhodes as the best good guy in the industry in 2024.

Rhodes won the Royal Rumble 2024 before beating Roman Reigns in the WrestleMania 40 main event. The Undisputed WWE Champion received widespread support throughout the year, particularly in the build-up to his bout with Reigns at The Show of Shows.

On The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, the veteran told host Jon Alba that the SmackDown Superstar has become a modern-day version of 16-time World Champion John Cena:

"My top babyface for 2024 is just kinda the guy that carried the business this year. You said before he's the John Cena. I think it's Cody Rhodes. I think it was Cody Rhodes' year. He finished the story. WWE business was great, so many sell-outs. Whether they're doing a live event or whether they're doing a pay-per-view or TV, Cody Rhodes is the guy. He's the guy right now that has WWE on his back." [59:35 – 59:57]

Hardy also explained why Reigns vs. Rhodes deserves to be recognized as the best wrestling match and moment of 2024.

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Matt Hardy on Cody Rhodes possibly turning heel

Although Cody Rhodes receives loud babyface crowd reactions, fans often question whether The American Nightmare would benefit from becoming a bad guy. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi also raised doubts about Rhodes' ability as a fan favorite on his Off The Top podcast.

Matt Hardy thinks wrestling fans should enjoy Rhodes' title reign while it lasts and be more realistic about WWE's plans for the 39-year-old:

"It's just so funny. Those people lack such patience. Social media, it's one of those things, as I was saying before, sometimes you have to stop and talk to someone. Maybe your employee or maybe one of your co-workers, someone who you have trust and faith in. Like, 'Do you see any validity to what they are saying here?' And with Cody Rhodes [turning heel], for me, the answer is no." [1:00:53 – 1:01:15]

Hardy added that fans might get tired of Rhodes' babyface character in the long run. For now, however, he sees no reason to turn the Undisputed WWE Champion heel while the company is doing so well.

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Please credit The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.