Almost no one expects Cody Rhodes to have such an imperious rise in the second half of his career. When he first left WWE to seek more luck on the independent circuit, most fans and insiders had harshly criticized his choice and thought he would end up in oblivion.
Not only did 'The American Nightmare' make the right decision, but his career took on a new momentum thanks to his victories on the independent circuit and his experience in All Elite Wrestling (of which he was one of the founders along with Tony Khan and the Young Bucks).
At some point, Rhodes realized that AEW was no longer the right environment for him and shocked everyone by agreeing to return to WWE after many years. When he made his return to Stamford, he was very different from his first run and showed the whole world all his immense talent.
The former AEW star fulfilled his dream of becoming world champion, defeating the company's face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL and taking his place at the top of the hierarchy. Cody has withstood the onslaught of several champions in recent months and is preparing to face Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble on February 1st.
JBL pays tribute to Cody Rhodes
Over the past year and a half, Rhodes has truly won everyone's esteem and admiration thanks to his dedication to this business.
On the latest edition of the 'Something to Wrestle With' podcast, WWE legend JBL selected the current World Champion as his dream opponent: “Rhodes, no doubt about it, he’s the guy. He’s the face of the company. But also, the size difference—I worked really well with guys that I had a size advantage over.
But Cody Rhodes, I mean, that would be so fun. I think so much of Cody. I’ve loved him since the JBL and Cole Show, and I think it’d be a lot of fun to work with him."