Cody Rhodes, preparing for his first WWE appearance inside the ring since SummerSlam 2025, has identified five wrestlers he believes could succeed Triple H in leadership roles within WWE. Highlighting his insight on future talent leadership, Rhodes included prominent names while discussing the evolving dynamics backstage.
Rhodes Shares His Vision for WWE’s Future Leadership
Since returning to WWE in 2022, Cody Rhodes has received significant support from Triple H, who took charge of the creative direction of WWE’s weekly shows. Rhodes recently appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike podcast, where he was asked about the possibility of replacing Triple H in the future. In his response, Rhodes pointed to himself and four other WWE stars—CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Bayley, and Roman Reigns—as strong candidates for taking on such a leadership mantle.
Rhodes explained the qualities that each wrestler brings, noting their experience and influence within the locker room setting. He admitted that the competition for this role appears to be growing stronger, a development he had not initially expected.
“I think there’s starting to become a fight for it. And I didn’t see that at first. I thought, well, obviously I’m the best candidate… I thought, like, I had some experience, and I’d be interested in something like that. But also, it’s very clear that CM Punk is really great at helping develop young talent. He probably has a knack for it more than anybody. Seth Rollins is a little bit more rough around the edges but would probably be an outstanding boss when it comes down to it. I would love to throw my name in the hat. I don’t know if I’m ready to do it officially yet,” Cody Rhodes said.
Offering additional insight into his selections, Rhodes emphasized the value of leadership within the locker room, noting that veterans like Bayley and Roman Reigns also carry significant weight. Their influence and standing could ensure they remain key voices in WWE’s future even if they do not take formal leadership positions.
“There are tons of other people like Bayley, and Roman [Reigns] will always have a say. Just you’ve got an older locker room now. So, eventually those positions see if you can do any good,” Rhodes added.
Triple H’s Impact on Rhodes and WWE’s Creative Direction
Triple H’s role in supporting Cody Rhodes’ ascent cannot be overstated, as he helped steer the creative push that elevated Rhodes to the top of WWE’s roster. The influence of Triple H and veteran figure Bruce Prichard was notably present when Rhodes captured the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL, defeating Roman Reigns.
Earlier this year, Triple H teased Rhodes’ return to WWE weeks before the event during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Shortly thereafter, Rhodes reappeared on WWE SmackDown and immediately set up a high-profile title match against Drew McIntyre for the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event in Indiana. This confirmed Rhodes is positioned for a major role in WWE’s ongoing storylines.
What Future Leadership Means for WWE and Its Locker Room
The names mentioned by Cody Rhodes as potential successors to Triple H reflect WWE’s shift toward recognizing wrestlers who not only perform inside the ring but also possess the ability to mentor younger talent and manage backstage affairs. CM Punk’s noted skill in developing new stars, alongside Seth Rollins’ leadership qualities despite his rough edges, signals a more collaborative and dynamic approach to WWE’s creative helm.
Meanwhile, veterans such as Bayley and Roman Reigns exemplify the seasoned voices with established respect, hinting that WWE’s locker room leadership will blend experience with fresh perspectives. As Cody Rhodes cautiously put forward his own aspirations, the landscape seems primed for multiple contenders to take on critical roles as WWE continues its evolution after SummerSlam 2025.
With Rhodes preparing to compete again and his endorsement of peers for future leadership, WWE fans can expect further developments in who shapes the direction of the company both inside and outside the ring over the coming years.
