In 2022, Cody Rhodes took a significant risk by returning to WWE, a move that filled him with uncertainty even in hindsight. Despite the anxiety surrounding the decision, Rhodes’ return has made him one of WWE’s leading performers, highlighting how crucial and daring this choice truly was.
During a recent episode of Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, Rhodes revealed that coming back to WWE felt like an even larger gamble than leaving the company in 2016. At that time, he had stability outside WWE, working in AEW and holding roles beyond wrestling, which made the decision to return a complex one with no assured success.
Balancing Career Opportunities Beyond the Ring
Rhodes reflected on managing multiple commitments while contemplating his WWE return. He noted having two television shows on platforms like Discovery and Warner Media, which he had to juggle alongside his wrestling career, underscoring the careful consideration involved before making such a move.
“The situation, looking back at it now, so many things were happening, I had two television shows that were on Discovery now, but Warner Media programming. I had to juggle that, I had to really weigh it out. Obviously, opportunity is amazing, but I had to really weigh it out. Is this a mistake, right? They didn’t see it the first time. They saw a little of it, but they didn’t see it.” – Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
This uncertainty was compounded by the pressure of deciding whether reigniting his WWE career would be the right step or a reckless error given his existing commitments and success elsewhere.
The Personal Weight of Taking the Risk
Rhodes admitted that the fear of failure was intense, perhaps even more than when he first departed WWE. Although he had a rewarding position outside WWE—including an executive role and strong connections with groups like the Bullet Club—he faced immense self-questioning about advancing his career by returning.
“Is this the biggest mistake ever? You think the first time leaving is the biggest mistake ever. Coming back, my fear was like, this could be the biggest gamble of all. I had a good gig. I had, contrary to what you hear, and you guys know how the internet likes to internet, but I had a good gig. I had an executive job. I loved the Bullet Club guys. But evolving and moving myself forward, it was just a lot to weigh out.” – Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
He was fully aware that the consequences of this gamble were his to bear, with no risk imposed on WWE itself.
The Risk Impacted Only Rhodes Himself
Rhodes emphasized that if his WWE comeback had failed, the damage would have been limited to him alone. WWE’s reputation or business interests would not have suffered from his potential misstep, placing the entire pressure on his shoulders.
“And again, it could have been a big — had I gone out there and belly flopped in the pool, like, it wouldn’t have hurt WWE at all, It would have been, ‘See, he wasn’t. He was Little League all along.’ You know? Now I’m getting anxiety over it now, and it’s over. We already did it, you know? We’re good, we’re good.” – Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
This reflection reveals his vulnerability and the high stakes he faced personally in making the transition back to WWE’s spotlight.
WWE’s Role in Shaping Rhodes’ Return Success
Rhodes also credited the way WWE presented him during his comeback as a key factor in his immediate impact. The company introduced him as a polished and fully prepared star, effectively positioning him as if he were a fresh new talent rather than a returning veteran, which helped connect him with younger audiences and reward longtime fans.
“I was presented as if I never existed there before, in a way, Like, I was presented as this fully polished, ready, if you didn’t know, and you were a young kid watching, you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s so cool. Like, you jumped right in. And if you did, you were rewarded for knowing the journey.” – Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
This approach allowed him to quickly re-establish himself at the top tier of WWE performers.
Looking Ahead: Cody Rhodes at the Royal Rumble
Cody Rhodes is set to return to WWE’s ring once again as he participates in this weekend’s annual Royal Rumble event. His ongoing role underscores how his daring comeback continues to pay off and maintain his influence within WWE’s competitive landscape.
As WWE fans anticipate the Royal Rumble, Rhodes’ journey serves as a compelling example of risk, reinvention, and resilience in professional wrestling.
