Cody Rhodes: Open to Heel Turn & WWE Babyface Challenges
- Two-time Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is contemplating a shift in character, openly discussing the possibility of embracing a heel turn.
- Speaking on his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, alongside Rey Mysterio, Rhodes reflected on the complexities of maintaining a virtuous babyface role in contemporary WWE.
- Rhodes contrasted his position with performers like LA Knight and Jey Uso, acknowledging their distinct connections with the audience.
Two-time Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is contemplating a shift in character, openly discussing the possibility of embracing a heel turn. While firmly established as a fan favorite since his return to the company at , Rhodes acknowledges the creative challenges and potential appeal of portraying a villainous persona.
Speaking on his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, alongside Rey Mysterio, Rhodes reflected on the complexities of maintaining a virtuous babyface role in contemporary WWE. He suggested that the pressure to consistently make “the right choices” isn’t always the most captivating approach for modern entertainment. “I feel right now, I like the challenge of being a babyface, because it seems almost impossible some nights,” Rhodes stated. “Because it’s easier to be cooler. I really admire Logan Paul’s situation. He could fall flat on his face, and it’s no big deal, nothing lost. He can be mad at that crowd.”
Rhodes contrasted his position with performers like LA Knight and Jey Uso, acknowledging their distinct connections with the audience. He believes a heel turn could offer a refreshing dynamic, providing a different avenue for storytelling. “I think if we ever transition or if a heel (turn) was to come back up, that might be something I could even need in my life and don’t realize it, just from the sheer, ‘Let’s go out there and have some fun’,” he explained. “I feel like there’s a lot of pressure and a challenge on the babyface spot. Whereas sometimes, in my experience at least, being a heel is a little bit, ‘Let’s just go have some fun. Nothing needs to happen until we’re ready for it to happen, we’ll get it when we get it.’ You can dictate that pace a little bit more too.”
The discussion comes after a significant shift in the WWE landscape following Rhodes’ defeat to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match in . The loss cost Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Championship and has reshaped the title picture, with McIntyre now preparing to defend the championship against a yet-to-be-determined challenger at in Las Vegas. This defeat, while a setback, may be a catalyst for change, both in the championship landscape and potentially in Rhodes’ character arc.
Rhodes’ comments highlight the inherent difficulties in consistently portraying a purely heroic character in a wrestling environment that often rewards complexity and nuance. He recognizes the appeal of the freedom a heel turn could provide, allowing for a more flexible and less constrained approach to performance. The ability to “dictate the pace” and prioritize entertainment over strict adherence to a virtuous persona is a compelling factor, according to Rhodes.
While WWE maintains a strong base of family-oriented fans who appreciate a traditional heroic figure, Rhodes acknowledges the evolving preferences of the audience. His willingness to consider a heel turn suggests an awareness of the need to adapt and remain relevant in a constantly changing entertainment landscape. The potential for a heel turn isn’t about dissatisfaction with his current role, but rather a recognition of the creative possibilities and personal fulfillment it could offer.
The wrestling world is no stranger to dramatic character shifts, and a Rhodes heel turn would undoubtedly be a significant moment. His current position as one of WWE’s most popular babyfaces makes the prospect particularly intriguing. For now, Rhodes remains committed to the challenges of his current role, but his openness to exploring a darker side suggests that the future holds possibilities beyond the confines of a traditional hero’s journey. The question isn’t *if* Rhodes might turn heel, but *when* and how such a transition would impact the WWE landscape.
Rhodes’ reflections on the pressures of being a babyface also offer insight into the broader creative dynamics within WWE. The need to constantly deliver a positive message and embody virtuous ideals can be demanding, and the allure of a heel turn lies, in part, in the release from those expectations. It’s a reminder that even the most beloved performers are constantly navigating the creative challenges of maintaining a compelling and engaging character.