Cody Rhodes highlighted the importance of experienced mentors within WWE’s ranks, noting their role in guiding talent through both challenges and successes. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes reflected on how the WWE locker room rarely experiences group pep talks, but recalled a significant moment when The Undertaker addressed everyone about WWE Raw’s transition to Netflix earlier this year.
Rhodes explained that The Undertaker’s speech emphasized how monumental the move was for WWE, especially for the younger roster members who might not fully appreciate The Undertaker’s legacy as a performer. According to Rhodes, the talk was inspiring enough to motivate the entire locker room intensely during that period.
Personal Motivations from WWE Leaders
While group discussions are uncommon, motivating conversations often occur on a one-on-one basis with some of WWE’s top leaders. Rhodes identified Paul Heyman, Michael Hayes, and Paul “Triple H” Levesque as influential figures who play vital roles in encouraging and pushing wrestlers to perform at their best.
He described Heyman as a leader whose thoughtful words carry significant weight despite not usually claiming Rhodes as one of his protégés. Michael Hayes was praised as a straightforward and emotional motivator who reminds wrestlers to appreciate their position by showing what it genuinely means to succeed in WWE. Rhodes also acknowledged Triple H as another key figure who offers strong leadership behind the scenes.
The other guys who will do it, who are more subtle, it’s not a pep talk — it’s more of a pull you aside and hit you with something that’s like, ‘Whoo,’ is, again, Mr. Heyman. He doesn’t take me as one of his guys, I usually am fighting his guys, but when he says something, it matters. And Michael Hayes, Michael Hayes is one that — he’s just a wild, he’ll hit you with something or pull the curtain back and show you all of the people and where they are. Just, again, don’t want to take any of this for granted… Those are good pep-talk guys. Hunter’s good too. Now that I think about it, we got a lot of good leaders on the squad, for sure.
Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Rhodes’ Aspirations to Join WWE’s Leadership Ranks
Looking ahead, Rhodes expressed his desire to become a future leader within WWE’s backstage hierarchy. In an interview with ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, he mentioned wanting to be considered a potential successor to Levesque as WWE’s Chief Content Officer once Levesque steps down from that role.
This ambition reflects Rhodes’ commitment to contributing beyond his in-ring career, aiming to shape WWE’s creative and organizational direction in years to come.
Upcoming Match and Crown Jewel Championship Build-Up
On the upcoming SmackDown show this Friday night, Cody Rhodes will team with Randy Orton against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in a tag team match. This event serves as part of the increasing momentum toward Rhodes’ match against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel: Perth on October 11.
Rhodes currently holds the WWE Championship and is aiming to unify the titles by defeating Rollins. He will attempt to repeat his success from last year’s Crown Jewel event, where he conquered Gunther to claim the championship.
