Cody Rhodes has long been a fan-favorite babyface in WWE, with his “American Nightmare” persona and the iconic entrance music “Kingdom” establishing him as a top star and one of the faces of the company. However, during a recent chat on ESPN’s First Take, Rhodes hinted at the possibility of turning heel in the future, even though he’s not currently scheduled for such a change.
Rhodes referenced John Cena’s surprising heel turn and was asked when he might drop his babyface character. He responded thoughtfully, saying he never rules anything out. While he doesn’t foresee switching to a heel role anytime soon, Rhodes’ willingness to consider it demonstrates his professionalism. Previously, it was thought he would never turn heel, especially during his AEW days, but now he seems open to doing whatever benefits the business, embracing a potential change if the timing and fan support align. Such a heel turn would be a significant moment for WWE, and the company hopes that it could boost viewership like Cena’s unexpected heel turn at the 2025 Elimination Chamber, which drew 12.3 million viewers.
When asked what his heel character might look like, Rhodes joked it could involve stripping away his signature entrance and music, becoming a far cry from his current WWE persona. Comparisons were made to John Cena’s simple, understated black and white graphics when he turned heel. Rhodes entertained the idea of becoming someone fans would love to hate, showing his openness to evolving his character.
Rhodes’ personal history also adds depth to a potential heel storyline. After betting on himself by leaving WWE, he co-founded AEW, a rival promotion where he served as EVP. Feeling underappreciated, he left AEW and made a landmark return to WWE. This return sparked an 8% stock surge for WWE within a month, according to ESPN. Still, the WWE Universe often craves fresh and exciting changes, making a heel turn a logical step to keep things dynamic and engaging.
Fan Take: This possible heel turn for Cody Rhodes is a game-changer for WWE fans, promising a fresh storyline that could redefine his character and shake up the current roster dynamics. It could inject new energy into WWE programming, attracting even more viewers and revitalizing interest in the sport.
