WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has publicly encouraged Cody Rhodes to change his character direction, suggesting it is time for the star to turn heel after years as a top babyface. Cody Rhodes, a former two-time Undisputed WWE Champion, has been a leading fan favorite for the past four years, but recent reactions, including boos during a SmackDown event in Riyadh, indicate that some fans are ready to see a different side of the wrestler. This potential transition aligns with the interest in refreshing Cody’s persona while generating renewed excitement.
Rikishi Recommends Cody’s Heel Turn and Business Strategy
Rikishi, who is known both for his own WWE legacy and as the father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa, shared his views on his podcast, Off The Top. He believes that Cody Rhodes’ time as the heroic face character may have reached its natural end, and that a heel turn could benefit Cody’s career and brand moving forward.
“I think Cody’s [time as a] babyface has probably ran it’s course. I feel like it’s probably a good time for – business-wise and for the brand of Cody Rhodes – to kind of maybe take a ride on the wild side, right? And then we’ll see where we go from there.”
?Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer and Podcast Host
Rikishi further highlighted Cody’s existing storyline rivalry with SmackDown star Jacob Fatu, Rikishi’s nephew, who entered WWE as a villain but gradually won over fans and turned into a major babyface. This contrast in character development sets an interesting stage for Cody’s potential change.
“They brought Jacob [Fatu] in to obviously be a heel, like a monster heel, and the fans just slowly kind of switched Jacob to this mega-top babyface.”
?Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer and Podcast Host
Royal Rumble Setting the Stage for WrestleMania Storylines
With the Royal Rumble event scheduled for January 31, Rikishi noted that the outcomes of this high-profile match could clarify WWE’s forthcoming plans heading into WrestleMania 2026. Both Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu are confirmed participants in the Men’s Royal Rumble, which may lead to a compelling confrontation between the two.
“It’s the beginning of 2026, it’s January, the Royal Rumble is around the corner, we have no idea what’s going to play out in the Royal Rumble, so I mean, once we see that? It can almost let you know what the plans are going to be for a certain talent moving into WrestleMania.”
?Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer and Podcast Host
The Royal Rumble event will be broadcast live on ESPN in the United States and on Netflix internationally, giving fans worldwide the chance to witness potential turning points in WWE storylines.
Additional Developments Leading Into Royal Rumble 2026
In the days leading up to the Royal Rumble, WWE has seen several key announcements. A former World Champion was confirmed as a new entrant for the event during SmackDown, while promotions also added two pre-show matches featuring multiple teams and factions to the Royal Rumble card. These additions aim to enhance the anticipation and scope of the event.
Meanwhile, notable WWE figures have made headlines; Roman Reigns surprisingly called out WWE executive Triple H regarding creative issues, and Triple H himself issued a final statement ahead of the Royal Rumble. Alongside these stories, Dominik Mysterio remains sidelined following a shoulder injury sustained during a match with Rey Mysterio.
There has also been buzz about WWE inadvertently revealing the number one entrant for the men’s Royal Rumble match, heightening speculation about the match’s outcome. Cody Rhodes has identified a top rival he aims to eliminate during the event, underscoring the intense competition expected during this landmark match. Meanwhile, Becky Lynch has made headline-grabbing threats toward a major WWE star, adding another layer of drama to the evolving WWE narrative.
Implications of Cody Rhodes’ Potential Persona Shift
If Cody Rhodes embraces a heel turn as Rikishi suggests, it would mark a significant shift in his character arc and could revitalize his trajectory in WWE. Changing to a darker persona after years as a heroic figure may open fresh storytelling opportunities and reinvigorate fan interest. With high-profile matches like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania on the horizon, Cody’s decision could directly impact WWE’s creative direction and booking strategies.
This potential transformation also demonstrates the importance of evolving characters in professional wrestling, ensuring performers remain dynamic and connected with audiences. How Cody Rhodes and WWE management handle this transition will likely influence the company’s broader storyline landscape in the months to come.
