Cody Rhodes has emerged as a central figure in WWE’s present era after making a striking return at the 2023 Royal Rumble. He has gained recognition as the company’s main babyface, consistently embodying the hero who chooses the right path in every rivalry, whether against Roman Reigns, John Cena, or other major stars. This role demands selecting virtue over villainy and overcoming obstacles while maintaining strong values, setting Rhodes apart in the wrestling world.
Despite the admiration for this heroic role, WWE Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer Triple H recently addressed just how difficult it is to maintain such a position. In the newly released five-part Netflix documentary series WWE: Unreal, Triple H expressed deep respect for Cody Rhodes’ determination in sustaining this character amid the complexities of professional wrestling.
Why Playing the Hero Is a Difficult Wrestling Role
Triple H explained that portraying a villain in wrestling typically allows for more creative freedom, as villains can justify their actions through complicated reasoning and excuses that engage the audience. This complexity often makes villain roles entertaining and easier to perform. In contrast, a hero must consistently make the right choices and triumph, which risks becoming predictable for viewers. The challenge lies in making this steadfast goodness compelling without losing fan interest or appearing unrealistic.
He praised Rhodes for taking on this demanding role with remarkable resilience. According to Triple H, Cody Rhodes is committed to remaining a moral and upright figure despite the pressures within wrestling’s demanding world.
“Cody is the closest thing right now, I think, that we have to just a pure babyface. That spot, in my opinion, is probably the most difficult spot in the business right now. Easy to be a bad guy. Tell people a bunch of convoluted sh*t that seems reasonable to you, and that’s fun and easy. Just to be the guy that does the right thing all the time and overcomes and always succeeds, people start to feel it’s predictable. People start to feel like it’s, like nobody’s that good. You know? It’s a tough thing.” —Triple H, WWE Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer
Context and Impact on WWE Storytelling
The insights shared by Triple H shed light on the storytelling dynamics that shape WWE’s success and fan engagement. Cody Rhodes’ role as the primary hero challenges the perception that wrestling narratives must rely on villainy to captivate viewers. His ability to navigate such a difficult role signals a commitment to elevating the storytelling quality and maintaining audience interest through genuine character integrity.
This recognition may inspire WWE creative teams and wrestlers alike to invest greater effort into developing compelling, principled characters who resonate deeply with fans. As Rhodes continues to uphold the babyface mantle, he sets a benchmark for what it means to be an authentic hero in wrestling today.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
Kevin Nash recently responded strongly to critics following the death of Hulk Hogan, his longtime friend and fellow WWE Hall of Famer. Meanwhile, Triple H disclosed John Cena’s genuine reaction upon learning about his planned heel turn, which added a layer of complexity to Cena’s character journey.
Looking ahead to WWE SummerSlam, speculation surrounds the potential impact on CM Punk’s career if he loses his match against Gunther, a pivotal moment that could influence his future direction. Outside the ring, former WWE Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has displayed a remarkable physical transformation after the birth of her second child, signaling her dedication to returning to top form.
In other wrestling developments, a major AEW star is pursuing opportunities beyond wrestling by entering the Hollywood scene, attracting considerable attention. Meanwhile, a controversial former WWE star admitted that their tenure was overshadowed by struggles with drug use, adding a sobering note to their wrestling story. Additionally, the true identity behind the character El Grande Americano has finally been confessed, ending longstanding speculation.
Lastly, Hulk Hogan’s former best friend revealed the heartbreak of not being able to visit him in the hospital, a moment that underscores the personal challenges behind the public wrestling personas.
