WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi forces Cody Rhodes to use his Dark Side as a heel
In a world where the glitz and glamor of professional wrestling often overshadow the raw spirit of the sport, Cody Rhodes has managed to carve out a niche as one of WWE’s favorite stars since his return in 2022. His meteoric rise was over in a historic victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, where he won the WWE Championship without a doubt, Rhodes has captured the hearts of fans and established himself as the face of the company
But not all boxing myths are believed by Rhodes’ current approach. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, in a recent episode of his Off The Top podcast, shared his honest opinion on Rhodes’ title reign, rating it as a modest six out of ten -especially in the area of character development.
“Cody is trying so hard to be the ultimate babyface champion,” Rikishi explained. “There’s a lot of pressure involved in that role, and I think it’s weighing on him. Being the face of WWE means shaking hands, kissing babies, and trying to be a perfect role model. It’s a tough gig.”
Rikishi emphasized that Rhodes has the skills to take on a more villainous persona, which he believes could enhance both Rhodes’ performance and audience engagement. “He can be a hell of a heel,” he said. “He’s got that suave look, that Million Dollar Man vibe—like a new era Million Dollar Man, you know? When you look at him, it’s easy to see how he could get heat from the crowd.”
As a heel, Rikishi envisions Rhodes controlling the narrative through his presence and theatricality. “To generate true heat these days, you need to master emotional storytelling,” he advised. “When you engage the crowd with just a stare down, it’s a game-changer. The day he turns heel, I’ll be thrilled for him because he’ll be able to fully express himself without constraints.”
Despite the pressure, Rhodes continued to deliver in the ring, boasting impressive attendance and revenue records since becoming a champion. Rhodes has reportedly set a gate record for 32 shows in 35 majors he has headlined, a testament to his drawing power. Rikishi’s findings, however, are among many who believe that Rhodes may have reached his potential as an artist.
Looking ahead, fans are eagerly awaiting Rhodes’ next match in Crown Jewel City, where he will face world heavyweight champion Gunther for the newly created Crown Jewel Championship This event could be a defining moment for Rhodes, which could united It sets the stage for a character’s transformation that could enhance his already stellar career
As the wrestling scene evolves, so does the conversation about human roles and audience connection becomes ever more critical. Cody Rhodes stands at a crossroads, where embracing his darker side might not only enhance his persona but also captivate audiences in unprecedented ways.
In a sport that thrives on drama, emotion, and spectacle, the question remains: will Cody Rhodes heed the advice of legends like Rikishi and explore the depths of his character in pursuit of wrestling greatness?
H/t to WrestlingNews.Co