Cody Rhodes addressed the often misunderstood concept of backstage politics within WWE during a March 4, 2026, appearance on the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast. Discussing how the environment has evolved, Rhodes acknowledged the presence of politics in WWE but emphasized that it no longer resembles the manipulative dynamics many assume. He explained that navigating WWE’s backstage landscape involves managing differing opinions in a highly competitive atmosphere rather than engaging in deceitful behavior.
What Being “Political” Means in Wrestling Today
When Roman Reigns once labeled Rhodes a politician, Rhodes did not regard it negatively. He highlighted that while everyone involved in wrestling exhibits some degree of political behavior, there is a critical distinction between genuine politics and harmful tactics like backstabbing. Rhodes pointed out that politics today is more about straightforward engagement with peers rather than covert scheming.
“Roman Reigns called me a politician one time, and I remember thinking I’m not mad at that. I grew up in this business. Everyone is political to a degree, but to me there’s a difference between politics and posturing versus snaking and backstabbing.” ?Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
How Dialogue Shapes Decision-Making in the Locker Room
Rhodes described a shift toward open and honest communication among WWE talent in recent years. Unlike past eras marked by silence and manipulation, today’s wrestlers frequently express their creative ideas and concerns directly to their colleagues. This openness allows for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints are shared before leadership finalizes decisions.
“One of the great things about you as a peer in the locker room is that you’re straight up. I think a lot of guys in our locker room are straight up. They’ll say, ‘This is what I think is better, this is what I think isn’t. Let’s talk about it.’ Then someone makes the final decision, but at least the opinions have been weighed.” ?Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
Spotting Insincerity Amidst Genuine Conversations
While Rhodes acknowledged the overall transparency in creative discussions, he also noted that seasoned wrestlers can quickly detect when someone is being insincere or pushing a personal agenda disguised as advice. He emphasized the importance of recognizing constructive feedback versus self-serving counsel in the wrestling backstage culture.
“Because you can smell it when you get around the ones who say, ‘This is going to be really good for you,’ and you can tell — no, it’s not. I can tell it’s not even really for me.” ?Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
The Ongoing Role of Politics and Its Evolving Nature in WWE
In Rhodes’ view, backstage politics remain an inherent part of professional wrestling, but WWE’s current atmosphere mostly relies on direct and open exchanges rather than the underhanded tactics common in the past. This cultural shift suggests a more transparent and honest working environment for talent, even within a complex industry filled with competition and differing opinions.
As WWE continues to evolve, the way wrestlers interact and influence creative directions will likely reflect these changes in communication style. Fans and industry observers may wonder whether backstage politics can ever be fully eradicated or if WWE is quietly redefining what it means to be political behind the scenes. The perspectives shared by Rhodes provide insight into this ongoing transformation.
