Cody Rhodes, often referred to as the captain of WWE, recently voiced strong opinions on the roster’s true earning power during a conversation on his podcast. Addressing the matter alongside Damian Priest, Rhodes was forthright in examining how only a select few in the wrestling industry genuinely qualify as top draws for WWE at the current time.
This tense moment in wrestling comes as the company, its superstars, and their families face personal and professional challenges, including issues of privacy and the financial realities experienced behind the spotlight.
Fans Cross the Line on Superstar Privacy
WWE NXT’s Izzi Dame spoke out after discovering that someone had tracked down her parents’ home to send gifts, highlighting the growing concern over the blurred lines between fan enthusiasm and personal boundaries. Izzi Dame, a current member of The Culling in WWE NXT—joined by Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, and Brooks Jensen—responded directly to fans on social media. She insisted that supporters respect her family’s space, clarifying the appropriate way to send mail.
“I appreciate fans wanting to send fan mail, and I love receiving it but PLEASE stop sending mail to my parent’s home. All letters and packages should be sent to the performance center in Orlando only. All the stuff they receive I tell them to throw away. Thank uuu🖤”
— IZZI DAME (@izzi_wwe)
The anxiety over privacy isn’t isolated. The situation mirrored a recent incident involving AEW’s Queen Aminata, who revealed her discomfort after someone uncovered her hotel room location in New York. Both incidents expose the emotional toll of unwanted attention, as wrestlers strive to manage their careers alongside increased public scrutiny.
Cody Rhodes Breaks Down What Makes a Top WWE Superstar
On the
“What Do You Wanna Talk About?”
podcast, Cody Rhodes discussed the realities of wrestling star power while speaking with Damian Priest. He didn’t shy away from addressing the uneasy truth about WWE’s roster, pointing out that not many superstars generate major business for the company.
“This might be unpopular to say, but I’ll say it anyway. If you look at a roster sheet — any company’s roster — you’d be surprised by how small the percentage is of people who actually draw or earn for the company.”
— Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
Rhodes elaborated further, noting that many fans might believe most wrestlers are significant draws, but the real number is far lower than assumed.
“You’d think it’s a lot more, but it’s a small group. That doesn’t mean others can’t or won’t get there. Sometimes context plays a role. But the truth is, it’s a small percentage.”
— Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
During the discussion, Rhodes named Rhea Ripley as an example of a current WWE Superstar who genuinely increases the company’s appeal, with Damian Priest concurring on Ripley’s importance.
Rhodes’ Leadership as Undisputed Champion
Since his return to WWE in 2022, Cody Rhodes has established himself among the few consistent top draws in wrestling. Rhodes, serving as the Undisputed WWE Champion for over a year, has helped lead the company through periods of transition and uncertainty. His transparent evaluation of WWE’s landscape brings focus to the select group of superstars who regularly boost merchandise sales, ratings, and event attendance.
Other notable names mentioned through the current industry climate include Natalya, a veteran performer who shared financial hardships during the early stages of her WWE journey, and Rhea Ripley, distinguished for her drawing power. The wrestling scene is also contending with potential shifts at the executive level, as reports swirl around figures like Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon, while events and partnerships, such as a new series with Jon M. Chu and The Miz’s involvement in an American Gladiators reboot, signal ongoing change in entertainment alliances linked to WWE.
The Reality of Financial Struggles for Wrestlers
Natalya, who debuted on SmackDown in 2008 after signing with WWE in 2007, recently revisited her tough early years. In a candid interview with the Toronto Sun, Natalya recounted the limited income she had to work with, despite needing to maintain an image befitting a WWE Superstar.
“When I first got signed, I didn’t have any money. My WWE contract was for just $24,000 a year, and I still had to pay taxes on that. It wasn’t much to live on—especially for a girl who needed to buy wrestling gear and try to look glamorous. I was basically working with a Walmart budget.”
— Natalya, WWE Superstar
Over time, Natalya’s resilience has allowed her to accumulate multiple championships, including the Divas Title, SmackDown Women’s Championship, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. In 2024, she re-signed with WWE while also gaining the freedom to wrestle outside the company for organizations like NWA and at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport event, a rare arrangement that underscores her enduring status and reputation.
Industry Dynamics: Moving Forward Amid Internal and External Pressures
The wrestling world remains in flux as superstars, both in WWE and AEW, confront challenges spanning from privacy concerns and public pressures to the demanding standards of show business. With Izzi Dame and Queen Aminata highlighting the emotional consequences of invasive fandom, and with Rhodes scrutinizing the myth versus reality around top earners, the WWE landscape faces both internal and external pressures to evolve.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding the return of influential figures like Vince McMahon and new projects teaming up with entertainment executives such as Jon M. Chu amplifies the sense of transition. As high-profile superstars like Rhea Ripley and Cody Rhodes shape the narrative, the question remains: who will join the narrow ranks of true top draws, and how will the company address the human costs associated with life in the spotlight?
