Just two WrestleManias ago, Cody Rhodes captivated WWE fans worldwide when he ended Roman Reigns‘ historic championship reign, completing a redemption arc that stretched over a year. From his return at WrestleMania 38 up through his celebrated victory at WrestleMania 40, Rhodes was the company’s most adored performer, celebrated as the “grandson of a plumber” who had finally achieved his breakthrough. However, the enthusiasm that surrounded his accomplishments has sharply diminished, revealing troubling signs for Rhodes’ standing in WWE today.
Disappointing Championship Reigns Fail to Meet Expectations
Cody Rhodes’ initial championship reign did not live up to the glowing anticipation that had built for years. Over the course of just over a year, Rhodes defended the title only nine times, facing a total of five opponents: AJ Styles, Logan Paul, Solo Sikoa, Kevin Owens, and John Cena. While some matches delivered quality and engaging storylines, the overall result felt underwhelming for fans who had waited extensively to see Rhodes as champion. His second reign was even less impressive, lasting only about five months and featuring a regressive “clock-turning” contest against John Cena. Notably, Rhodes’ persistent rival, Drew McIntyre, challenged him in three of the five title defenses during that second reign, briefly capturing the belt before quickly losing it back to Rhodes.
Although the Portland audience appeared enthusiastic about Rhodes’ recent victory, possibly energized by witnessing a world title change in person, the broader response told a different story. WWE’s official video of Rhodes’ win posted on YouTube received a harsh backlash, accumulating over 100,000 dislikes compared to just 28,000 likes by late Saturday afternoon. Earlier that day, dislikes were nearly half that number, indicating increasingly negative sentiment. Commentary beneath the video was equally unforgiving, with viewers comparing Rhodes unfavorably to Hulk Hogan and referencing his relationship with Triple H. The most endorsed viewer reaction, encapsulating the prevailing feeling, was: Ruthless Depression.
Fan Fatigue Signals a Shift in Crowd Support
With Rhodes now beginning his third title run within two years, WWE faces an unprecedented challenge. Since his return, this marks the first period that Rhodes is no longer seen as the unequivocal fan favorite or the champion most desired by audiences. Instead, he has assumed the role of a “golden boy,” perceived as always securing his desired outcomes while simultaneously denying any sense of entitlement. Although Rhodes has recently shown a more aggressive side, he remains predominantly cast as a heroic figure, even as live crowds increasingly express displeasure and boos.
At the peak of his resurgence four years ago, Rhodes’ return was met with overwhelming approval, garnering over 210,000 likes and 10 million views. He immediately became WWE’s most cherished star, the good guy fans eagerly supported. That aura has faded considerably, and alongside it, the honeymoon effect of his comeback. Currently positioned as the company’s leading babyface, Rhodes is no longer the crowd’s preferred champion, a fact likely to be reflected in the muted reception awaiting him for any upcoming title celebrations.
The Growing Problem and Its Inevitable Solution
The mounting dissatisfaction surrounding Cody Rhodes signals a critical dilemma for WWE. His diminished appeal and the negative fan reactions suggest that continuing along the current path is unsustainable. The company must reckon with the reality that only one clear course remains if they seek to restore balance and enthusiasm: a significant change in Rhodes’ trajectory, potentially involving a character reinvention or a shift away from his current role.
