Cody Rhodes emerged as a leading star when he made his high-profile return to WWE to conclude what he called “the story.” His intense rivalry with Roman Reigns, highlighted by dramatic encounters at both WrestleMania 39 and WrestleMania 40, captured fans’ attention worldwide. With the involvement of legendary figures like The Rock and The Undertaker, Rhodes’ journey became a central narrative for WWE in 2024.
After finally overcoming Reigns to become the WWE Undisputed Champion, many expected Rhodes’ career to reach even greater heights. Soon after, he found himself in a prominent feud with John Cena during the latter’s Farewell Tour. In this storyline twist, Cena achieved a record-setting 17th world championship by defeating Rhodes, leaving the WWE universe stunned.
Signs of Stagnation: Industry Voices Reflect on the Plateau
However, since that high-profile loss, fans and insiders alike have observed a notable slowdown in Rhodes’ momentum. On an episode of “The Coach and Bro” podcast, hosts Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo reflected on Rhodes’ rise during his battles with Reigns, and how his career narrative seems to have stalled since then. Russo, who closely analyzed Rhodes’ journey from ambition to triumph, shared that even Rhodes himself is experiencing uncertainty about his standing and future direction within WWE.
“Cody Rhodes said in this interview during his climb and during the telling of his story, everybody in the industry was calling him. Everybody wanted to talk to him. He was having conversations with everybody that was rooting him on. They wanted to see this come to fruition. They were following the journey. And then Cody turned around and says, “But the last year or so, I haven’t heard from anybody.” And then Cody is questioning, “Have I plateaued? Am I at a point now where nobody cares about me anymore?” And I went back to when Cody completed the story. Coach, it was March of 2024.So when we look at March 2024 to January 2026, after he completed the journey, what have they done with Cody Rhodes? Cody Rhodes has plateaued. And Cody Rhodes said, he said, “Am I becoming the corporate guy?” And let me make one thing perfectly clear, and then I’m gonna segue to this to Jericho. Guys, I don’t blame this on Cody Rhodes at all. Cody Rhodes ain’t the writer of the show.This is why I say ,guys, you got to keep building guys month after month. That’s why Austin drove a Zamboni. Austin drove a beer truck. Austin loaded up Vince McMahon’s uh uh sports car with cement. That’s what you got to do. Cody’s done this. And that’s not Cody’s fault.”
— Vince Russo, Wrestling Commentator
The remarks point directly to organizational responsibility in maintaining star momentum. Russo suggests that consistent creative investment is required to keep fan interest high, drawing comparisons to iconic moments driven by other wrestling legends such as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s wild antics involving Vince McMahon.
Rhodes’ Reflections: Searching for Meaning in WWE’s Shifting Landscape
Cody Rhodes’ own words reveal a deep concern that the very public and celebrated journey he undertook now feels strangely muted in the aftermath of his victories. He acknowledged that, after a period where “everybody” in the wrestling business showed interest in his story, he has experienced a noticeable decline in engagement from both industry peers and fans in the past year. This emotional unease reflects a vulnerability rarely vocalized by top-tier champions.
“But the last year or so, I haven’t heard from anybody.”
— Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
“Have I plateaued? Am I at a point now where nobody cares about me anymore?”
— Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
“Am I becoming the corporate guy?”
— Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
These candid admissions echo the sentiment of stagnation, despite Rhodes still holding a central position in the company’s narrative. Instead of ongoing feuds or groundbreaking moments, Rhodes’ recent storylines have lacked the momentum that initially propelled him to the top. This feeling is amplified by the context provided by other industry figures, who stress that the responsibility to elevate superstars lies not on the performer alone, but with the WWE’s ongoing creative decisions and broader company direction.
Industry Lessons and the Path Forward for WWE Talents
Vince Russo’s analysis draws a distinction between the agency performers have over their careers and the necessity for the organization to continually invent compelling storylines. The comparison to Steve Austin’s notorious escapades serves as a reminder of how sustained excitement and unpredictability are vital to wrestling’s entertainment value. Without such ongoing efforts, even headline talents like Rhodes can find themselves on a narrative plateau.
For WWE, this situation may prompt internal reflection on how to manage their top draws and avoid creative stagnation. Ensuring steady and dynamic storytelling could be essential to re-energize audience interest, keep key names like Cody Rhodes WWE plateau at the forefront, and avoid the pitfalls of complacency that have affected past superstars.
With Rhodes openly questioning his place and the nature of his journey, and well-known commentators like Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo shedding light on the situation, it remains to be seen how WWE will respond. Whether Rhodes’ trajectory will regain its upward swing may depend on how the organization adapts and innovates in the months ahead. Fans, industry insiders, and the larger wrestling world are all watching closely as this story continues to unfold.
