Since making his WWE return in 2022, Cody Rhodes has remained firmly in the role of a babyface, embodying the heroic persona known as The American Nightmare. Approaching four years in this position, Rhodes has spoken openly about the difficulties that come with being a top fan-favorite in today’s WWE environment, contrasting it with the relative ease of taking on the villainous heel role. He shared his thoughts on the distinctive challenges he faces and the appeal of embracing a darker character.
WWE audiences and fans have been calling for a significant change in Rhodes’ character, hoping he will finally turn heel. Reports even surfaced suggesting that The Rock had been advocating for Rhodes to adopt a villainous persona, but WWE stuck to their initial plan of keeping him as a babyface.
During a recent episode of his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Rhodes discussed the possibility of switching sides in the ring and the pressure tied to his current role.
“I feel right now I like the challenge of being a babyface because it seems almost impossible some nights. It’s easier to be cooler. I really admire Logan Paul’s situation. He could fall flat on his face and it’s no big deal. He can be mad at the crowd. I think sometimes there are elements of being a heel that are a lot of fun, whereas being a white-meat babyface—where you’re trying to be virtuous and make the right choices—that’s not always the most appealing thing by modern entertainment standards. But when you look at our ticket-buying audience—kids and families—there’s room for it.”
The recognition of the difficulties inherent in maintaining a virtuous “good guy” image contrasted with the freedom afforded to heels sheds light on why some wrestlers prefer the villain role, where the crowd’s negative reaction can actually enhance their performance.
Rhodes Open to Transitioning Into a Villainous Role
Despite being kept as a heroic figure since his WrestleMania 38 comeback, Cody Rhodes has not dismissed the idea of adopting a heel character in the future. WWE executives have reportedly been cautious about making such a change, partly due to concerns that merchandise sales could suffer if Rhodes loses his babyface status.
Nevertheless, Rhodes expressed that a heel turn might be beneficial both creatively and personally, emphasizing the reduced pressure and greater enjoyment that can come with playing a villain.
“I think if we ever transition and the heel comes back out, that might be something I need in my life and don’t realize it. Just from the sheer, ‘Let’s go out there and have fun.’ I feel there’s a lot of pressure in the babyface spot. But as a heel, it’s more like, ‘Let’s just go have some fun.’ We’ll get it when we get it. You can dictate the pace.”
This sentiment suggests that Rhodes might embrace the heel role when the timing feels right, potentially revitalizing his career with new energy and creative opportunities.
Additional WWE Developments to Watch
In other WWE news, Paige is rumored to be planning a return to the company soon, which could shake up storylines. John Cena recently disclosed surprising information about the originally planned lineup for the Crown Jewel event before AJ Styles became involved at the last moment.
Meanwhile, wrestler Liv Morgan broke down in tears during a live broadcast of Monday Night RAW, highlighting the emotional intensity of the current WWE programming. Gunther responded publicly on social media following a surprising loss, signaling ongoing tension and rivalries within the roster.
Veteran Becky Lynch continues to pursue unfinished goals in WWE before considering retirement, underscoring her enduring drive. On the AEW side, MJF issued a stern warning to another reigning champion, maintaining heated competition outside WWE.
Within WWE, Dominik Mysterio identified his next contender for the Intercontinental Championship during recent RAW episodes, keeping fans engaged in the title race. In a notable move focused on pushing a top star, WWE formed a prominent faction specifically to support Roman Reigns’ babyface run, although it was met with fan resistance at the time.
Implications of a Cody Rhodes Heel Turn
Cody Rhodes’ hinted willingness to switch to a villain role comes amid ongoing discussions about character dynamics in WWE and the demands placed on performers. Should this turn occur, it could provide the fresh creative narrative many fans desire while also allowing Rhodes to explore a different style of performance with potentially less pressure.
Such a transformation might also influence merchandise sales and audience engagement, factors carefully considered by WWE management. With key figures like The Rock reportedly advocating for this change, a heel turn for Rhodes could mark a pivotal moment in his WWE journey and impact upcoming storylines across the roster.
Fans and observers will be closely watching forthcoming WWE programs to see whether Rhodes fully embraces the darker side, which could signal a new era for The American Nightmare and shape his legacy in professional wrestling.
