Brock Lesnar has been replaced as the central star, or “guy,” in WWE, according to wrestling legend Mark Henry. For years, Lesnar and John Cena were seen as the top figures in WWE whenever they appeared, consistently headlining major events alongside Roman Reigns, who has occasionally stepped into that role.
However, Henry recently expressed on Busted Open Radio that the landscape is changing, with neither Lesnar nor Cena now holding that spot. Instead, Cody Rhodes has taken over as the main attraction, appearing prominently on promotional materials and expected to headline significant matches. Henry emphasized that Rhodes has effectively succeeded both Cena and Lesnar as WWE’s leading man.
“Cody is the guy right now. He’s the guy. He’s on all the banners. John Cena had his run. Brock Lesnar had his run as the champion. And I love that match. I love the fact of what it says and where it’s going, but when you talk about who’s the guy, that’s usually the guy that’s in the main event.”
—Mark Henry, WWE Legend
Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Poised to Take Center Stage Over Lesnar vs. Cena
Mark Henry also commented on the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event, highlighting the evolving card line-up. Although a match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena is scheduled, Henry suggested that the bout between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has arguably become the evening’s most prominent contest. The new match addition has shifted attention, making the Rhodes-McIntyre encounter the likely headliner.
“I think now we have another match. We talked about it last week, there were three matches that were planned and all set up. Well, now we got another one. And I think this one may be the main event right now.”
—Mark Henry, WWE Legend
Wrestlepalooza is set to take place this weekend, marking a pivotal moment as Cody Rhodes assumes the spotlight that Lesnar and Cena once occupied.
The Shift’s Implications for WWE’s Future Star Power
The change at the top reflects WWE’s ongoing evolution in star development and audience engagement. By positioning Cody Rhodes as the primary face of the company, WWE signals a strategic shift towards new leadership in the ring, offering fresh rivalries and storylines. This move highlights Rhodes’ rising influence and suggests that upcoming events will focus on his matches and character growth, which could shape WWE’s direction in the near term.
As Rhodes takes over the mantle previously held by icons like Lesnar and Cena, the company is poised to enter a new chapter of wrestling storylines, with fans eager to see how this transition unfolds during Wrestlepalooza and beyond.
