Cody Rhodes, currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, credits legendary WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman for providing a pivotal piece of advice that transformed his approach to promos. Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, won the title by defeating John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, having earlier ended Roman Reigns’ remarkable 1,316-day championship reign at WrestleMania 41. Heyman’s guidance encouraged Rhodes to directly engage the audience by asking them what they want to talk about, which now serves as the foundation for his promos and relates to the title of his show.
During a recent episode of his podcast, What Do You Want To Talk About? With Cody Rhodes, he and Becky Lynch discussed the importance of improvisation and trust in oneself while performing promos. Rhodes revealed that Heyman emphasized beginning promos by connecting with the crowd’s interests rather than delivering a scripted or forced message.
Do you know it directly affects this show? What do you want to talk about? The whole, hey, town, so town. What do you want to talk about? A individual backstage who I heavily seek for advice.I consider him a super genius. I have the utmost respect for him because he was incredible. Incredibly helpful to my family. Incredibly helpful.He told me that I should always say, hey, so, Atlanta, what do you want to talk about? And that the story, the promo, what I do should follow suit and not just appear. Because he told me, he goes, you would make a great governor. You’d make a great.
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Rhodes described Heyman as a genius whom he deeply respects, particularly for the personal support Heyman has given to him and his family. Heyman encouraged Rhodes to ask fans directly what they want to hear, ensuring that storylines and promos develop naturally from that interaction. This advice reflects Heyman’s belief in Rhodes’s leadership potential beyond wrestling, even suggesting he could excel as a governor.
Paul Heyman currently serves as an influential advisor known as The Oracle, providing guidance for Seth Rollins and shaping narratives within WWE. This behind-the-scenes role aligns with the wisdom he shared with Rhodes, highlighting Heyman’s impact on the careers of top WWE stars.
Context on Cody Rhodes’ Rise and Career Highlights
Cody Rhodes has steadily climbed WWE’s ranks through dedication and mentorship from industry veterans like Heyman. His rapid ascent included ending Roman Reigns’ historic title run, which lasted over three years, and capturing the coveted Undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena at a major pay-per-view event. These accomplishments have firmly established Rhodes as one of the leading figures in wrestling today.
Rhodes’s wrestling style, promo delivery, and overall presence are now marked by his ability to adapt spontaneously and engage with fans authentically, skills nurtured by the mentorship he receives. His interaction with Becky Lynch on his podcast further underscores his commitment to refining the art of storytelling in wrestling.
Additional WWE Storylines and Updates
While Rhodes’s career flourishes with guidance from veterans, WWE faces criticism in other areas, including the booking decisions around female star Natalya, which some consider missed opportunities despite her veteran status. Additionally, rumors about the release of a WWE star were recently addressed to clarify surrounding speculation.
The wrestling community continues to follow high-profile relationships, such as the one between Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, who have become a prominent couple in WWE. Meanwhile, other former champions and veterans share their perspectives on their careers, including a 7-time Hardcore Champion who spoke out about why he will never enter the WWE Hall of Fame. Mercedes Mone also expressed indifference toward WWE’s counter-programming attempts, showing confidence in her own path.
The Undertaker remains a powerful figure in WWE, with his latest in-ring appearance occurring on WWE NXT, where he confronted TNA Champion Trick Williams, hinting at possible future developments. Moreover, speculation about an ex-WWE champion’s exit being storyline-based was dispelled, confirming that at least one departure is genuine. Finally, a former WWE star revealed specific conditions under which they would consider joining AEW, keeping fans intrigued about potential cross-promotional moves.
Implications of Heyman’s Advice on Cody Rhodes and WWE Storytelling
Paul Heyman’s advice to Cody Rhodes about engaging with the audience before launching into promos signals a shift toward more organic storytelling in WWE. This approach allows Rhodes to connect with fans on a personal level, fostering stronger emotional investment in his character and storylines. Given Rhodes’s current status as champion and one of WWE’s key figures, this mentorship could influence the company’s creative direction by encouraging talent to listen more to their audience’s interests.
As Rhodes continues to elevate his craft under Heyman’s guidance, fans can expect promos and matches that reflect authentic crowd interaction and spontaneity, adding fresh energy to WWE programming. Heyman’s role behind the scenes as The Oracle will likely maintain its significance in cultivating rising talent, with Rhodes serving as a prime example of the benefit such veteran advice can bring to a superstar’s career trajectory.
