Cody Rhodes Based Career On WWE Legend

Cody Rhodes took inspiration from a WWE legend.

Since returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes has become not only one of the biggest stars in the company but one of the biggest names in the entire industry. Following his return, Rhodes won the Royal Rumble twice before toppling Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40.

During Rhodes’ initial spell with the company between 2006 and 2016, John Cena was the man dominating the headlines. Cena was undoubtedly the biggest star in the industry during this period and established himself as a legend.

So it’s perhaps unsurprising that Rhodes looked to Cena for inspiration.

In a new interview with Cameron Hawkins for Complex, Rhodes revealed he attempted to pattern his career on the 16-time World Champion.

“I modeled a lot of my career after the man who was the lead dog when I was here initially, and that being John Cena,” Cody explained. “Hey, if you want the spot, if you want the ball, you have to work to my level’, was something you’d hear him say in interviews, and it was very real, very, and there was nobody who could match it at the time. In terms of being WWE Champion, you have to represent WWE at all times.”

Cody Rhodes Drops Huge WWE Bad Blood Tease

The American Nightmare will be back in action at Bad Blood when he teams with Roman Reigns to battle Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. But that might only be part of the story.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Cody Rhodes said there will be a video package or a vignette coming at Bad Blood with “big title implications.” Meanwhile, Pat McAfee later noted off-camera that “the big guy’s coming back,” sparking speculation that the show could end with an appearance from The Rock.

The tag team match involving Rhodes, Reigns, and The Bloodline is set to headline the show.