Cody Rhodes has observed a noticeable change in how WWE crowds are reacting to him during events. Speaking on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, he shared that while he enjoys delivering promos as they allow him to engage directly with the audience, he has recently faced mixed or even negative reactions in certain locations. Rhodes expressed that his in-ring persona is simply his genuine self, and regardless of the crowd’s attitude, he values the energy they bring.
Experiencing Varied Crowd Energy Across Different Cities
Rhodes opened up about feeling that not every event feels like a “home game” anymore. He said,
“I’m in a funky spot as a wrestler on the show now, where not every game is a home game anymore,”
adding that some fans have responded with chants ranging from “Let’s go Cody” to “Cody sucks.” He noted an instance in Germany where the atmosphere felt especially hostile,
“Bobby Roode walked up to me backstage, he goes, ‘They just showed you on the screen, it’s going to be an away game.’ I thought, ‘All right.’”
Despite this, Rhodes emphasized that the energy from the crowd remains what truly matters.
Maintaining Authenticity Despite Audience Fluctuations
While acknowledging the unpredictability of fan reactions, Rhodes stressed the importance of staying true to his character no matter the crowd’s behavior. He mentioned that some areas, such as Florida and Texas, still offer positive and supportive responses, helping him feel appreciated. Rhodes believes that a crowd’s perception can shift over time, so a negative reception in one city might change to a warmer welcome in the future.
Upcoming WWE Elimination Chamber Match and Its Stakes
This Saturday, the WWE Elimination Chamber event will take place at the United Center in Chicago. Among the competitors in the men’s Elimination Chamber match are Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso. The prize for the last wrestler standing is a championship match against WWE Champion Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42, making the stakes particularly high.
Context on Media Coverage and Wrestling Reporting
Joseph Currier, lead editor of F4WOnline.com, oversees regular wrestling news coverage and has nearly a decade of experience in the field. A University of Massachusetts graduate, Currier has contributed wrestling articles for Sports Illustrated and continues to cover WWE events closely. Based in Massachusetts, he is also a passionate supporter of local sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.
