Cody Rhodes recently shared insights on his experience as the Undisputed WWE Champion during an interview with Justin Barrasso from the Boston Herald. Rhodes, who is currently a WWE SmackDown Superstar, expressed pride in two key aspects of his first championship run, which lasted an entire year. His reflections highlight the significance of both the matches he participated in and the special connection he built with fans, particularly the younger audience.
A Historic Moment in France and Facing AJ Styles
Rhodes recalled the remarkable event that followed WrestleMania 40— a Pay-Per-View event held in France before one of the most enthusiastic crowds in wrestling history. He emphasized the importance of sharing the ring with AJ Styles, describing Styles as “a wrestler’s wrestler,” who excels at the highest level and could be considered the top wrestler in any company on any given day. Rhodes noted that the story they told in that match resonated powerfully with the crowd, setting his championship run apart from others.
“There’s two things that lingered with me in terms of being champion that I was very proud of,” Cody Rhodes said. “I was very proud that immediately, right after WrestleMania 40, we jumped right to this PLE in France in front of the greatest crowd wrestling may have ever seen. I shared the ring with AJ Styles, a wrestler’s wrestler, who is as good as it possibly gets–on any given day, AJ could be the number one wrestler for any company in the world.”
Unique Connection with Fans and Embracing the Champion Identity
Cody Rhodes also spoke about the challenges usually associated with being a babyface champion and how his experience differed thanks to his unique bond with the WWE fanbase. He expressed pride in maintaining a strong connection with younger fans, whose numbers continue to grow rapidly. Additionally, Rhodes felt honored by the way his champion status became part of his identity, mentioning that even interactions with cameramen and announcer Joe Tess reinforced that role.
“We told a story for that incredibly loud crowd, and I wanted to show that this run would be different. Traditionally, you’ll hear people say that it is hard to be a babyface champion. It’s hard to be a babyface in general. But I’ve been blessed to have this connection, especially this unique connection with our younger audience, which grows at a speed like no other. And something else I was really proud of is when the cameramen say, ‘Hey, Champ.’ Or Joe Tess says, ‘Hey, Champ.’ I’m proud of how my identity became that of the champion.”
The Lasting Impact of Cody Rhodes’ WWE Championship Run
Rhodes’ reflections on his championship reign underscore the lasting impact it had both inside and outside the ring. By highlighting memorable matches like the one in France and emphasizing his rapport with fans, he demonstrates how a champion can influence the audience and elevate the sport. His comments suggest that future runs or storylines may continue to build on this strong fan relationship and the prestige of holding the WWE Championship.
