WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, has opened up about the potential for his own iconic rivalries, drawing comparisons to the legendary feuds his father, Dusty Rhodes, had during his storied career. During the post-show press conference following WWE Backlash, Rhodes discussed who might be the “Ric Flair to his Dusty Rhodes,” referencing his father’s most famous rival.
Rhodes Reflects on Dusty’s Greatest Rivalries
“My dad’s favorite rivalries were Superstar Billy Graham, Harley Race, and the ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair,” Rhodes explained. “Those were his three greatest, he used to make Ali parallels to who was Frazier, who was Foreman, all this stuff.” Given this context, Rhodes considered who might take on a similar role in his own WWE journey.
The list of potential rivals is impressive, with Rhodes naming several top WWE superstars. “Perhaps it’s my newly developed friend, who is getting better right now and we can’t wait for him to come back, perhaps it’s Seth Rollins, perhaps it’s Roman Reigns, perhaps it’s AJ Styles,” Rhodes said. Each of these names has played a significant role in shaping the current WWE landscape, and their potential rivalries with Rhodes could be as memorable as those of his father.
Rivalries on the Horizon: Rhodes and Orton?
Rhodes also hinted at another possible rivalry with Randy Orton, someone who played a crucial role in his early WWE career. “One of the gentlemen in the ring with me was a huge part of me even being here today,” Rhodes said, referencing Orton’s mentorship during his initial run in WWE. “There are multiple people who were a big part of me being here today, but somebody who legitimately took me under his wing and put me in his faction… I know ten years ago, Randy Orton could wipe the floor with me, but I wonder what it looks like today. Feels like a first time ever today, and I mean that with the utmost respect to somebody who got me to where I am today.”
Rhodes’ acknowledgment of Orton’s influence raises the intriguing possibility of a renewed rivalry, one that could offer a fresh perspective on their past history and showcase Rhodes’ growth as a performer.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
While Rhodes recently defeated AJ Styles at WWE Backlash, it remains uncertain if the rivalry between them will continue. Styles, a seasoned veteran, could push Rhodes to new heights, but other potential contenders could emerge. Seth Rollins, who is recovering from an injury, and Roman Reigns, who was not drafted to either WWE Raw or Smackdown, are also in the mix.
As the Undisputed WWE Champion, Rhodes’ path is filled with opportunities to create new rivalries and leave a lasting legacy. Whether he faces Rollins, Reigns, Styles, or Orton, each matchup holds the promise of greatness, much like the epic battles Dusty Rhodes had during his career.