Cody Rhodes’ ascent to the top of WWE has been nothing short of spectacular. Following his epic victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash. In the aftermath of this milestone victory, Rhodes addressed the press and shared his thoughts on being dubbed the “face of WWE.”
The Role of a Champion
In the post-show press conference, Rhodes acknowledged the weight of the title “face of WWE,” but with humility and a nod to those who helped him along the way. “A wrestler will tell you, ‘I am the face of the place, I am the lead dog, the quarterback,'” Rhodes remarked. “But how you know it is true is when somebody else tells you.” He then revealed that two people backstage had affirmed his newfound status, including Jamie Noble, who dubbed him the “golden boy.”
Rhodes, who has experienced his share of setbacks and challenges in his wrestling career, was candid about the journey to his current position. He shared that, despite dreaming of being at the top, he faced enough adversity to doubt whether he would ever achieve it. “I got hit in the mouth enough times, I fell down enough times, I looked up at the lights enough times to think like, maybe that won’t happen,” he explained.
However, the tenacity that defines “The American Nightmare” has paid off. Rhodes is determined to ensure that his reign as WWE’s top star is memorable for all the right reasons. “If I am the face of all of this, I want to make sure this new era and this run is remembered with as much excitement and love and happiness as it has brought me,” he said.
Jamie Noble’s Influence on Rhodes’ Journey
One of the key figures Rhodes credited for his growth in WWE is Jamie Noble, a former WWE Superstar and current backstage producer. Noble has been a guiding influence for many wrestlers, and his support for Rhodes has been significant. Noble’s acknowledgment of Rhodes as the “golden boy” signifies a high level of respect from a respected veteran in the industry.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
With his title defense at Backlash behind him, Rhodes is poised for his next challenge. Although AJ Styles put up a strong fight, it’s unclear if he will seek a rematch or if another superstar will step up to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The upcoming WWE King and Queen of the Ring event, set to take place in just three weeks, could reveal Rhodes’ next opponent.
In the meantime, Rhodes’ focus remains on representing WWE with pride and creating a legacy that resonates with fans. His journey from being a member of The Shield to becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
