If I May Speak Candidly… Cody Rhodes’ Heel Turn Would Solidify His Future Hall of Fame Status

The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.

While watching Cody Rhodes’ interview with Chris Van Vliet, he discussed his potential heel turn and how it might impact his image as the face of WWE. This made me reflect on how many of the memorable wrestlers we grew up watching and enjoying had undergone heel turns multiple times in their careers, yet our admiration for them remained unchanged.

Cody Rhodes currently embodies the ideal persona: he has a perfect life, wife, and child, and he is the son of the legendary “Son of a Plumber.” Cody has overcome every obstacle with a perfect smile and without a single complaint. This is the Cody we love, admire, and enjoy watching on TV every week. He has embraced this role with grace and class.

However, in my humble opinion, people still have Cody fucked up. They see him as “little Stardust” or simply Dusty Rhodes’ son, and they have yet to witness the catastrophic damage he can and will cause. “Hell hath no fury like a cancer scorned…”

I believe Cody is aware of the potential chaos he can cause. He must understand that if he makes this turn and embraces the darker side of himself — the side even he is afraid to confront — we might never see him as the same man we do today, and that’s okay. There is immense power in living in the duality of light and dark, embracing both what brings you joy and what fuels your inner fire. However, being a heel takes a lot of energy, especially if you haven’t yet tapped into that pent-up aggression and anger. It involves a psychological game when revealing that side of yourself to the world. Some fans see it as just playing a character, but it’s far more intense than merely pretending to be someone you’re not.

“It’s great to have a quarterback, great to have franchise players or top stars, whatever it might be, but it’s going to move on with or without you there; someone will fill that spot,” Cody said. I understand that Cody knows his spot is replaceable — that one moment it can be his, and the next it can belong to someone else. I admire his humility in recognizing that there is always someone ready to take his place. However, this is also a problem. By revealing this, he gives his hand away. You should never let others know you feel replaceable, even if it’s true. It shows instability and gives the impression that your foundation is shaky.

In my honest opinion, Cody Rhodes is a future Hall of Famer. He has built an image that can’t be tarnished nor destroyed. His name, along with the names of his brother Dustin and their father Dusty, will be etched in the history books for generations to come. These are facts. However, I want Cody to believe this too. I want him to believe that he has solidified his name in the pillars of the wrestling world. And I don’t know if it’s humility that I hear when I listen to his interviews or uncertainty of his impact.

Many people have compared Cody Rhodes to Homelander from “The Boys.” While there are some similarities, these two figures have many opposing personality traits. For instance, Homelander is highly narcissistic. He has an inflated sense of his own importance and craves admiration from the public and his peers. Homelander also enjoys exerting his power over others, often through violent means. He has little regard for human life and finds pleasure in the suffering of others. This is the complete opposite of Cody, who is known for his dedication, professionalism, and respect for the wrestling industry. Cody often embodies a heroic figure fighting for honor, respect, and his legacy.

Despite their obvious personality differences, Homelander and Cody share some similarities. Both have held leadership positions: Homelander leading The Seven and Cody playing a pivotal role in AEW’s establishment, demonstrating their ability to lead a group or a wrestling company. They are both charismatic figures capable of commanding attention and loyalty from their audiences. Homelander frequently engages with the media, giving interviews, attending press conferences, and participating in promotional events to maintain a positive public image for The Seven, while Cody does the same for WWE.

However, while Homelander’s public image as a hero masks his true evil nature, Cody’s public persona as a hero despite his real-life reputation for integrity and passion for the sport, might suggest that Cody, too, might have a hidden darker side.

In conclusion, the comparisons between Cody Rhodes and Homelander offer intriguing insights into the complexities of public personas and personal realities. Many fans, myself included, are eager to see Cody embrace a heel persona, believing it could add depth to his character and storyline. However, Cody’s hesitation may stem from concerns about how the WWE universe will perceive him in this new role and the fear of potentially losing his position to another wrestler. Yet, it’s important to recognize that Cody has already solidified his position and legacy in the wrestling world; he is a future Hall of Famer whose impact cannot be easily replaced.

This complexity highlights our ongoing fascination with heroes and villains in sports entertainment, making us think about the difference between scripted personas and real identities of our favorite icons.