WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman recently shared his thoughts on Cody Rhodes becoming the face of the promotion. Since returning to WWE in 2022, Rhodes has quickly risen to become one of WWE’s top stars.
Not only did WWE elevate him, but his popularity soared to such heights that even The Rock, during his return, was met with boos from the fans. The Rock tried to replace Rhodes in his spot at WrestleMania 40, which sparked major backlash from the fans.
Although Rhodes had earned the right to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. However, due to the fan backlash, WWE adjusted their plans, reinstating Rhodes to face Reigns at the show. Even The Rock, once one of WWE’s most beloved Superstars, felt the backlash for taking Rhodes’ spot.
Over the past two years, Rhodes has become the face of WWE, with his popularity helping the promotion sell out nearly every show he’s advertised for. Recently, Paul Heyman explained why he believes Cody Rhodes now carries the Rhodes legacy, surpassing his father, Dusty Rhodes.
Paul Heyman claims Cody Rhodes leads the Rhodes legacy in popularity
During a recent interview with CBS Sports, Paul Heyman discussed Cody Rhodes’ impact on WWE. He reflected on how, when Cody first returned, everyone would immediately associate him with his father, Dusty Rhodes.
Heyman said, “When Cody Rhodes first came back here, we all had the same sentence we gave in the press conferences. ‘How can you look at Cody and not think of Dusty? To Cody’s indescribably massive credit, I think now is the point in history that we’re realizing that Dusty Rhodes is Cody Rhodes’ father.”
He further stated that the reigning Undisputed Champion is the “bearer of the family name that drives the most interest.” Heyman also added, “If you would have told someone that three years ago, they would have thought you were nuts.”
Dusty Rhodes is widely recognized as one of the greatest minds in professional wrestling. He significantly shaped the early careers of WWE stars like Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins. Paul Heyman’s statement that Cody has now surpassed his father serves as a huge compliment to the current WWE Undisputed Champion.
