Cody Rhodes continues to be a major figure in WWE, not just as a top competitor but also as a mentor to younger talent. The American Nightmare has been guiding rising stars by sharing valuable insights to help them advance in the wrestling industry. Kiana James, a female WWE performer, has recently opened up about the impact of Cody Rhodes’ WWE mentorship on her career development.
In a recent interview, Kiana James explained that she initially relied on Charlotte Flair—known as The Queen—for guidance and support in navigating WWE’s main roster. Lately, she has also sought advice from Cody Rhodes, using his experience and success to improve her own approach. She emphasized the importance of learning from established stars to elevate her performance and mindset in the demanding environment of WWE.
“Yes, on the main roster, obviously, I have a relationship with Charlotte Flair, so she’s been a great mentor in that way, like running things by her. And then, recently we’ve been doing more live events, so I’ve been able to pick Cody’s brain and just kind of ask him his opinion on things. And it’s so wild to have people of such stature within the company accessible to me. And I think that is something that’s a competitive edge, right? Like using your resources, going to these people of like, I see the success that you’ve had and I want to get to that level as well. And being able to pick their brain and like pull from their experiences has been really beneficial to me.”
These mentorship connections are vital for wrestlers like James, who are determined to reach the top tiers of WWE competition by learning the business from seasoned veterans like Rhodes and Flair.
Cody Rhodes’ Ongoing Pursuit of the WWE Undisputed Championship
Rhodes has been actively competing in high-profile matches as he aims to reclaim the WWE Undisputed Championship. After losing the title to Drew McIntyre—due in part to interference from Jacob Fatu in a Steel Cage contest—Rhodes has been relentlessly working towards another title shot. His recent participation in the Royal Rumble did not secure a win, but he remains in the title picture.
Looking ahead, Cody Rhodes is slated to compete in the Elimination Chamber event, which serves as his latest opportunity to earn a chance to challenge Drew McIntyre for the championship at WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship show.
Recent WWE Appearances Highlight Rhodes’ Role Beyond the Ring
This past week on Monday Night RAW, held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Cody Rhodes appeared to show respect for fellow wrestling icon AJ Styles. He labeled Styles as “Wrestling Royalty” and acknowledged his significant contribution to the industry. During this segment, Rhodes faced a threat from a character known as The Vision, who intended to assault him.
However, Rhodes was not alone, as he announced backup, and the Usos arrived to defend him. This moment underlined Rhodes’ prominence and his connection with other WWE stars, strengthening his position on the RAW brand.
The Broader Impact of Veteran Guidance on WWE Talent
The example set by Cody Rhodes mentoring wrestlers like Kiana James highlights a deeper trend in WWE of established superstars actively supporting emerging talent. This mentorship dynamic provides newcomers with a competitive advantage by allowing them to learn from firsthand experiences, shaping their in-ring skills and understanding of the wrestling business.
As Rhodes continues his quest for the WWE Undisputed Championship and plays a leadership role backstage and on live events, his influence is likely to help shape the next generation of WWE stars. This ongoing support network can have a lasting impact on the roster’s development and WWE’s future narrative direction.
