Cody Rhodes believes that WWE’s upward trajectory will persist, highlighting the company’s current momentum and growth. He credits key leadership and the talent roster for fueling WWE’s ongoing success amid a competitive sports entertainment landscape.
WWE’s Expanding Success Amid Fan Concerns
Despite some fan complaints over ticket prices and other issues, WWE is thriving, generating record revenue and expanding its global footprint. The company’s recent acquisition of AAA and partnership with TNA contribute to its strong market position. Amid these developments, WWE’s alliance with ESPN marks a significant milestone, enhancing its visibility and reach.
During a recent interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Cody Rhodes reflected on this period of WWE growth. He expressed optimism about the company’s sustained boom, emphasizing a shift from the traditional cyclical rises and falls experienced in wrestling history.
“With ESPN and where the industry is at, pro wrestling in general, it’s only onwards and upwards, which is new, because you have these peaks and valleys throughout wrestling history.”
— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Rhodes also offered perspective on past wrestling eras, such as the Attitude Era and the 1980s Golden Age, noting those times were shorter than widely remembered. He highlighted that WWE’s current upward momentum has held steady for several years, including since Dallas Mania.
“I’ve always loved it, but look at the Attitude Era. If you really look back at it, it’s actually a shorter time than we remember,” he explained. “The Golden Age of the 1980s, Macho and all that, it’s a shorter time than we remember. We’ve been cruising now for four or five years, Dallas Mania, even the year prior to that, it’s been onwards, upwards.”
— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
The Leadership and Talent Driving WWE’s Momentum
Rhodes pointed to two crucial elements behind WWE’s recent prosperity: executive leadership and the deep roster of talent. In particular, he praised Nick Khan, WWE’s President and Chief Revenue Officer, calling him a “super genius” whose influence has been pivotal in the company’s ascent.
“A lot of that has to do with Nick Khan coming on board with WWE. He’s a super genius. And so much of it has to do with the best roster. The WWE roster is… you got Seth Rollins. The fact that we get to go do that and get to do it in Western Australia, in Perth, World Champion, WWE Champion. It’s a beautiful thing.”
— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Rhodes praised his fellow competitor Seth Rollins and expressed pride in representing WWE globally, including performing as champion in international locations like Perth, Western Australia. He acknowledged that the health and happiness of the roster are vital to maintaining WWE’s positive trajectory.
“As long as this roster stays healthy, stays happy, stays cooking, it’s onwards and upwards,”
he said.
“And I think the heights for sports entertainment and pro wrestling, we’ve never seen anything like this before. The fact that other people think it’s cool now too, makes my day.”
— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Rhodes’ Upcoming Matches and Team-Up with Randy Orton
In addition to reflecting on WWE’s status, Rhodes discussed his current projects, including teaming with Randy Orton on SmackDown. On October 3, the duo is scheduled to face Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker in a tag match. This partnership highlights WWE’s focus on showcasing its top talent in compelling storylines.
Following the tag match, Rhodes will compete against Seth Rollins at WWE Crown Jewel, a major event which signifies the ongoing importance of marquee shows in WWE’s calendar.
Context on WWE’s Growth and Industry Significance
Cody Rhodes’ remarks underscore WWE’s evolving position in sports entertainment, capturing how stable leadership and an elite roster can drive sustainable growth. The company’s collaborations, such as the deal with ESPN, and its global expansions contribute to expanding wrestling’s cultural and commercial reach.
WWE’s ability to maintain momentum amid fan criticisms points to a complex balancing act between business success and audience satisfaction. Rhodes’ confidence in the current trajectory suggests that, provided the talent remains healthy and engaged, WWE is poised to reach unprecedented levels.
This outlook is significant as wrestling continues to compete for audience attention alongside other entertainment forms, with WWE attempting to sustain its dominance. Cody Rhodes, as the Undisputed WWE Champion, embodies the brand’s ambition and is a key figure in its future narrative.
