Cody Rhodes was a member of Randy Orton’s Legacy along with Ted DiBiase, a faction that played a significant role in WWE’s mid-2000s era. Although Rhodes delivered solid performances, he was not the leading figure in the group, as Randy Orton’s persona as The Viper overshadowed the others. Rhodes often found himself in a supporting role rather than the spotlight, which shaped his early career trajectory within WWE.
Cody Rhodes Shares His Personal Experience and Challenges in Legacy
In a candid conversation during the podcast What Do You Want To Talk About? With Cody Rhodes, the wrestler opened up about his time in Legacy. The discussion covered various career and personal topics, including his struggles with being the faction’s “fall guy.” Despite being well-liked by his peers, Rhodes was frequently the one to take the pinfall losses in matches, which affected his confidence and standing.
He recounted the advice given to him by Joey Mercury, a former tag team partner and mentor, which helped him maintain his self-belief during tough times. Rhodes said,
“I was really struggling when I was with Legacy because I was the fall guy. They liked me, but I was the guy who took the pin. I was. I was. I remember Joey Mercury told me, he goes, don’t let. He said, don’t ever let anybody convince you you’re not the biggest star in the ring.”
This guidance allowed Rhodes to persevere despite his secondary role in the faction and continue developing his career in professional wrestling.
The Current Chapter: Cody Rhodes’ Life Beyond WWE TV
At present, Cody Rhodes has not appeared recently on WWE programming, focusing instead on his personal life after returning to WWE in 2022. Recently, Cody and his wife Brandi Rhodes celebrated the birth of their second daughter, marking a joyful milestone away from the spotlight.

Additional WWE Updates and Rumors
Reports suggest Chris Jericho may be leaving AEW, with speculation about his potential return to WWE in a non-wrestling capacity. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns reflected on his dominant WWE Championship reign from Payback 2020 through WrestleMania 40, acknowledging moments of personal challenge and growth. Reigns also shared how profound advice from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon influenced his life both in and out of the ring.
Elsewhere, WWE is considering a major Randy Orton match for the upcoming Clash in Paris event, following Orton’s surprising return on SmackDown in Dublin, where he attacked a three-time world champion.
Other news includes potential NXT talent moving to the main roster soon, criticism regarding Blake Monroe’s NXT storyline, and Sheamus revealing fears his career might end after a serious neck injury. Additionally, there are legal developments involving Hulk Hogan’s widow after his passing.
The Lasting Impact of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton’s Legacy Era
Cody Rhodes’ reflection on his time as the often-overlooked member of Randy Orton’s Legacy highlights the difficult dynamics within wrestling factions, where one standout star can dominate the narrative. His story underscores the perseverance needed to rise from a supporting role toward greater prominence. As WWE continues to evolve, Rhodes’ journey remains a compelling example of resilience in a demanding industry.
