The clash between John Cena and Cody Rhodes was always destined to be a gamble, particularly with Cena nearing his retirement and chasing a record-setting 17th World Championship. As WrestleMania approached, WWE’s creative team recognized the need for a turning point, which culminated in Cena’s heel turn—an iconic moment, yet followed by some uncertain narrative choices. Now, with Cena’s run behind him, the spotlight fully shines on Cody Rhodes as the company’s face and WWE Champion, placing him under intense scrutiny as the future of the brand. However, Rhodes’ feud with Cena proved controversial, threatening his position as the undisputed top babyface in the wrestling world, and reflecting a polarizing reception from fans.
Fan Reactions: The Challenges of Establishing Cody Rhodes as a Leading Babyface
The reaction to Rhodes at WrestleMania, including unexpected booing, was anticipated by WWE but remained a hurdle. The match itself failed to match the excitement of previous WrestleMania main events, ending with one of the most criticized finishes in recent memory. Redemption came at <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/tag/summerslam/”>SummerSlam, where Rhodes and Cena engaged in a brutal babyface versus babyface war that many consider one of Cena’s best matches. Despite this, Rhodes still faced mixed crowd responses, intensified by Cena’s enduring popularity. Passing the torch to Rhodes has resulted in a segment of the fanbase remaining skeptical, often calling for a heel turn or actively booing the WWE Champion, a situation reminiscent of Rhodes’ polarizing stint in AEW.
Strategic Moves to Preserve and Boost Cody Rhodes WWE Fan Support
To counter the polarization, WWE and Triple H face the challenge of sustaining Rhodes’ babyface status without reverting to a heel persona. One approach could feature a gripping storyline where Rhodes allies with John Cena, particularly if Cena faces Brock Lesnar at upcoming Clash in Paris. A narrative involving Rhodes avenging a betrayal or loss by Lesnar could lend emotional depth and provide motivated storytelling that connects fans to Rhodes as a heroic figure. This alliance may also unite babyfaces to challenge figures like Seth Rollins and others dominating the current WWE landscape.
This direction balances the risk of overshadowing Rhodes by Cena’s legacy while leveraging a classic storytelling technique by turning former rivals into allies. WWE’s decision to avoid making Rhodes appear subordinate acknowledges the delicate nature of handing over the company’s mantle, but their ambition to craft complex storylines reflects commendable creativity despite occasional missteps.
Expanding Cody Rhodes’ Influence Through Meaningful Alliances and Rivalries
Since WrestleMania 39, Rhodes has solidified his role as WWE’s lead babyface, particularly through his feud with Brock Lesnar and the buildup to WarGames. His ability to unite top stars like Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and Randy Orton on Raw illustrates his value beyond solo competition. Rhodes’ evolving relationship with Seth Rollins—from bitter adversaries to respected allies—added layers of intrigue on the Road to WrestleMania. Now, as Rhodes and Rollins both hold major titles, their complex dynamic signals further opportunities for compelling storytelling. Rollins’ maneuvering of egos such as CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and LA Knight adds tension, heightening the stakes for Rhodes and his allies.
Forming an alliance with Cena could extend this concept by creating a united front among the babyfaces to challenge dominant heels and restore balance. This scenario would also allow WWE to gauge Rhodes’ fan support relative to other top babyfaces while providing fresh narrative avenues. Referencing previous successful factions like The Shield reinforces the appeal and viability of such alliances without inherent drawbacks.
Cody Rhodes’ In-Ring Excellence and Promotional Skill as Foundations for Fan Acceptance
Cody Rhodes is widely recognized for his professional wrestling skills, consistently delivering engaging matches that blend storytelling, psychology, and physicality. His performances rank him among WWE’s most versatile and reliable competitors, arguably surpassing even iconic names like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, and Roman Reigns in terms of in-ring consistency and adaptability. While legends like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels also set high standards, their commercial impact underscores the complexity of success in WWE’s evolving market.
Rhodes’ capabilities as a promo artist complement his in-ring work, although the limitations of a “white-meat babyface” character on the mic may hinder full audience connection, especially when he regularly carries WWE’s biggest storylines solo. Nevertheless, his physical conditioning and commitment to quality matches create opportunities for him to elevate emerging talent and solidify his standing with fans. Increasing Rhodes’ presence on weekly television could enhance both his legacy and the development of future WWE stars.
Over recent years, Rhodes has produced match-of-the-year contenders with opponents like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles, and John Cena, garnering critical respect within a highly scripted environment. Each rivalry brings unique emotional and narrative textures, distinguishing Rhodes’ performances from more generic showings. His ability to engage fans, avoid excessive spot-driven bouts, and combine classic wrestling psychology with modern flair represents a significant asset for WWE.
The Road Ahead: Maintaining Cody Rhodes as a Central Figure in WWE’s Future
The challenge for Triple H and WWE is to reconcile the divided fan response while maximizing Rhodes’ undeniable talent and star power. Carefully crafting storylines that build credible opponents and allow organic character growth will be key to elevating Rhodes beyond the current polarizing landscape. Aligning him with trusted allies like John Cena and focusing on high-profile, meaningful rivalries can restore goodwill among skeptical fans and amplify his role as the WWE’s leading babyface.
By securing consistent positive fan engagement, Rhodes can avoid the pitfalls experienced by other top stars who faced backlash despite their skills. His ability to carry intense matches, foster dynamic character developments, and mentor younger talent positions him as a foundational figure for WWE’s future, ultimately shaping the company’s next era of storytelling and athletic excellence.
