Cody Rhodes recently spoke about whether he desires the kind of WWE schedule that Roman Reigns follows, which allows long breaks from television, particularly between WrestleMania and SummerSlam. Reigns’ Tribal Chief persona, which began in 2020 alongside Paul Heyman, transformed WWE by elevating its sports entertainment status worldwide. The Bloodline faction remains dominant and Reigns has become an undeniable box office attraction. Given this, many view Reigns’ intermittent TV appearances as a strategic use of his star power. Rhodes’ thoughts, however, took a different direction.
How John Cena’s Career Inspired Rhodes’ Approach to Wrestling
In a candid conversation with Sports Illustrated, Rhodes shared that he models much of his wrestling career after John Cena, a wrestler he once personally drove around in the late 2000s. He emphasized that, over time, veterans like Cena earn the autonomy to shape their careers according to their own vision. For Rhodes, the passion for professional wrestling has always been a driving factor, but now, he also values other aspects of life equally. While he admires Cena’s approach, Rhodes recognizes that he must follow a path that fits his own circumstances and priorities.
“I think every wrestler who has made it […] has a different outlook. This is how I do it — it’s always good to take a little it. I particularly loved John [Cena]. I try to model my style after him,” Rhodes revealed. “I have come to find that I can’t do it exactly how he did it. I do have to do it how I’d like to do it. And my personal life is different than his.”
“I think at a certain point you earn the right as he did to call the shots you want to take. To me, a lot of that has to with where do you want to go.”
Comparing the Wrestling Lifestyles of Rhodes, Cena, and Reigns
Rhodes hinted that while the idea of working a Roman Reigns-type schedule is appealing to some, it might not suit him personally. His reflections suggest a balance between professional ambitions and personal life, unlike Reigns, who operates mainly as a top-tier attraction, strategically limiting his in-ring appearances. Rhodes’ focus remains on carving out his own unique path rather than replicating the exact formula of any other wrestler.
Upcoming Challenges After SummerSlam Victory
At SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes secured a significant victory over John Cena, ending Cena’s 17th World Title reign. Shortly after, WWE set the stage for Rhodes’ next challenger during the SmackDown episode, keeping the momentum around his career alive. This development highlights Rhodes’ continued importance in WWE storylines and hints at an exciting future as he advances his wrestling journey on his own terms.
