Cody Rhodes nearly introduced a fresh look during a WWE RAW broadcast but was instructed to abandon it prior to going on air. The former Undisputed WWE Champion was set to wear distinctive glasses as part of this new style, which attracted attention during a recent discussion on CHGO Wrestling. Although Rhodes has been appearing regularly on WWE SmackDown, his unexpected red brand appearance last Monday included a tribute to AJ Styles.
Rhodes, 40, revealed that his wife, Brandi, disapproved of the glasses, feeling they aged him unnecessarily. This personal preference contributed to discarding the new look, alongside WWE’s backstage input.
WWE’s Creative Leader Requests Removal of Glasses
During the RAW taping, Jeremy Borash, WWE Vice President of Content and Development, intervened to have Cody Rhodes remove the glasses. Borash, known for his old-school wrestling perspective, felt the eyewear did not align with the show’s atmosphere. Rhodes admitted Borash’s judgment was correct, as the glasses did give off a vibe that differed from what was intended for the segment.
Jeremy Borash, who’s big time helpful creative director at WWE, he’s an old school wrestling type. The other week I was just on RAW on AJ’s retirement. I had the glasses on. He knew we were about to shoot. He’s like, ‘Hey, get them out of here.’ And I thought, ‘Man, I love that old school mindset.’ You know what I’m saying? But he’s right. Like, it’s a different vibe. [0:36 onwards]
— Cody Rhodes, Wrestler
Context Behind Rhodes’ Appearance on RAW
Though Rhodes is primarily a SmackDown talent, his RAW appearance was specifically to honor AJ Styles ahead of Styles’ retirement. The attempted introduction of the glasses was an effort to refresh Rhodes’ image but was curtailed by WWE’s leadership to maintain creative consistency. This interaction offers insight into how closely WWE manages the presentation of its top performers, balancing personal expression with company branding.
Broader WWE Environment Amid Creative Control
Cody Rhodes’ experience highlights the tight control WWE exercises over its talent’s appearance and character portrayals. Other wrestlers, such as Randy Orton and Becky Lynch, have recently faced scrutiny both on-screen and off, adding to a tense backstage atmosphere. Comments from figures like CM Punk, Chelsea Green, and Blake Monroe further reveal the challenges wrestlers encounter in shaping their career narratives within WWE’s structured environment.
Potential Impact on Cody Rhodes’ Career and WWE’s Direction
The decision to halt Rhodes’ planned look suggests WWE prioritizes maintaining established character images over experimenting with significant changes during live broadcasts. While Rhodes has announced plans to eventually conclude his WWE career, moments like this underline the ongoing balancing act between wrestlers’ creative input and the company’s vision. Fans and observers may expect further restrictions on in-ring personas as WWE continues to protect its brand consistency.
