During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes reflected on the wrestling industry’s current state in 2025, describing it as one of the most thrilling and successful periods in its history. Rhodes highlighted the continued upward trend and expressed optimism about the future of sports entertainment, citing the company’s strong position and vibrant roster as key factors.
Impact of Nick Khan’s Leadership on WWE’s Progress
Rhodes attributed much of WWE’s recent achievements to the influence of WWE President Nick Khan. He called Khan a “super genius,” crediting his leadership with driving the company to a new level of success. Rhodes emphasized that WWE’s current roster is exceptional, naming top performers like Seth Rollins and celebrating the opportunity to showcase their talents worldwide.
“A lot of that has to do with Nick Khan coming on board with WWE. A super genius. And that’s a wrestling term in a way — super genius. So much of it has to do with it has the best roster,”
Rhodes said.
“WWE’s roster is… you got Seth Rollins. The fact that we get to go do that and get to do it in Western Australia in Perth, world champion, WWE Champion — it’s a beautiful thing.”
Wrestling’s Resilience and Historical Comparisons
Reflecting on past eras, Rhodes noted that some of wrestling’s most celebrated periods—the Attitude Era and the golden age of the 1980s—were shorter than popularly remembered. In contrast, he believes the current phase has lasted longer and continues to build momentum, supported by the partnership with ESPN and a steady climb upward after past fluctuations.
“Well, with ESPN and where the industry is at, pro wrestling in general is only onwards and upwards, which is new because you have these peaks and valleys throughout wrestling history,”
Rhodes explained.
“I’ve always loved it, but say look at the Attitude Era. If you really look back at it, it’s actually a shorter time than we remember. The golden age of the 1980s — you know, Macho [Man] and all that — it’s a shorter time than we remember. We’ve been cruising now four or five years. Dallas Mania, even the year prior to that, it’s been onwards, upwards.”
Outlook for WWE and Sports Entertainment’s Future
Looking forward, Rhodes expressed confidence that as long as the WWE roster remains energetic and united, the company will continue its growth trajectory. He described the present era as unprecedented in wrestling history and took pride in the expanding fanbase that now shares his passion for the sport.
“So, as long as this roster stays healthy, stays happy, stays cooking, it’s onwards and upwards. And I think the heights for sports entertainment and pro wrestling, we’ve never seen anything like this before. So, this is just as a kid who loved it, always loved it, always thought it was cool. The fact that other people think it’s cool now too makes my day.”
Cody Rhodes
Upcoming High-Stakes Champion Showdown at WWE Crown Jewel 2025
Rhodes is scheduled to face World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in a highly anticipated champion versus champion match at WWE Crown Jewel 2025, set for November 8. This bout promises to be a defining moment in both wrestlers’ careers and a highlight of the year’s sports entertainment calendar.
