During a recent conversation on his podcast with Gunther, Cody Rhodes expressed his desire to see a return of the classic “jacked up bodybuilder” physique in WWE. He highlighted a perceived absence of true bodybuilder-type wrestlers in the current roster, emphasizing the visual impact they brought to the sport.
The Call for Distinct, Muscular Wrestlers Like Those from the ’90s
Rhodes openly shared his frustration with the current trend where most wrestlers maintain an athletic build rather than a bulky, muscular frame. He remarked,
“You would hate working with them, but I’m almost looking for us to just get some jacked up bodybuilder dudes again, you know, like real ’90s ones that all the boys can’t stand.”
He explained that these wrestlers stood out for their impressive appearance, forcing others to adapt around them.
In response, Gunther acknowledged the limitations set by WWE’s wellness policy, saying,
“I mean, that’s all wellness policy. That won’t happen.”
Nonetheless, Rhodes continued to emphasize the uniqueness and missing element of having at least one bodybuilder-type competitor in WWE today.
Rhodes Reflects on the Lack of Distinct Physiques Among Wrestlers
He added,
“I heard this term the other day. Somebody was describing how at WWE, you may not be in shape, but everyone who is in shape just has an athletic build. I hate the term athletic build. I know it’s not gonna happen, but I just want one bodybuilder back in the mix. You know what I’m saying?”
The Significance of Diverse Body Types in WWE
The call by Cody Rhodes for a “jacked up bodybuilder” presence suggests a deeper tension within WWE’s current direction on wrestler physiques. Bringing back this style could shift audience perceptions and add new dynamics to the performances. However, wellness regulations and changing industry standards pose significant challenges to this vision.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen if WWE will accommodate a return to more visibly muscular wrestlers, or continue to favor athletic builds that align with current trends and policies.
