"I just feel he can be a better heel": WWE Hall of Famer rates Cody Rhodes 6/10 for his Babyface Champion role

As the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes is currently on a trajectory that many fans believe will culminate in a monumental match against The Rock at WrestleMania 41. This high-stakes rivalry has been heating up, with The Rock being positioned as the heel in their ongoing feud. However, some fans speculate that Rhodes himself might eventually embrace a darker side before he hangs up his boots for good.
During a recent episode of the “Off The Top” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi weighed in on Cody’s current run as champion. He didn’t hold back in his analysis, giving Cody a rating of 6 out of 10 as a babyface champion. Rikishi expressed his belief that Rhodes is destined for a villainous transformation, stating, “I think it’s a six. He’s trying so hard. To be a babyface champion of the company, that’s a lot of pressure.”
Rikishi praised Cody’s in-ring abilities but suggested that he could shine even brighter in a heel role. “Cody’s a great worker, but for me, I just feel he can be a better heel. He’s that guy with the suave look, and he’s a white boy. C’mon. He’s got the suits on. It’s almost like a Million Dollar Man type of vibe, a new era Million Dollar Man, just that heat seeker.”

Rikishi’s comments delve deeper into the idea that Rhodes’ polished persona could be a double-edged sword. The sophisticated image he projects, combined with his undeniable wrestling skills, could easily turn him into a target for fan resentment if he fully embraced a villainous role. “It’s so easy to hate him. When you watch him wrestling, he does a lot of good stuff, but I think nowadays, to get heat, you gotta know how to move theatrical,” Rikishi added, highlighting the significance of crowd dynamics in professional wrestling.
Imagining the possibilities of a heel turn, Rikishi remarked, “The day he turns heel, I’m gonna be really happy for him because now he’s just gonna let loose on everybody.” This statement captures the excitement and anticipation among fans regarding what a villainous Cody Rhodes could bring to the ring.
While there are no immediate indications that Rhodes will be turning heel soon, Rikishi’s insights have certainly sparked further speculation. As Cody continues his reign as champion and builds toward WrestleMania 41, fans are left wondering: could a heel turn be in the cards for the champion as he winds down his career? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the landscape of WWE could shift dramatically if Rhodes decides to embrace his darker side.
Also read: Is The Rock's comeback a threat to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41?