Cody Rhodes’ Importance Overlooked Ahead of Wrestlepalooza

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Cody Rhodes is set to defend WWE’s top men’s singles title against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza on Saturday. Once a central figure in WWE’s hype, he now appears overshadowed, despite being a key player in the promotion’s recent successes.

Rhodes gained significant acclaim when he ended John Cena‘s title reign, a storyline that rescued the WWE title from being retired. This feat solidified his status as one of WWE’s top babyface stars, alongside Roman Reigns. Yet, with Reigns rarely available for matches, Rhodes’s prominence seems to be declining.

Recent polling among wrestling fans shows Rhodes versus McIntyre ranks third in anticipated matches, capturing 10 percent of votes. In contrast, the headline bout featuring Cena against Brock Lesnar languished in second-to-last place with just 9 percent, while the top slot belongs to C.M. Punk and A.J. Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, garnering 51 percent.

WWE executives like Matt Kenny reflect a nostalgic obsession with past stars, potentially disconnecting them from current audience preferences. As Cena faces off against Lesnar, fans appear to desire more matches showcasing today’s talents. Some observers speculate whether Cena’s dismissive approach towards Rhodes is driven by jealousy or merely misguided mentorship.

The perception that Rhodes is a “little buddy” rather than a major player has prompted concern among fans. Without acknowledging his accomplishments, Cena’s comments threaten to undermine Rhodes’s title reign.

WWE’s marketing strategies further complicate the narrative. Promotions focus heavily on Cena and Lesnar, sidelining Rhodes, the reigning champion. As wrestling viewership has declined when old stars are prioritized, it’s crucial for WWE to elevate its current champions effectively.

As Wrestlepalooza approaches, Rhodes stands as the current champion deserving equal treatment in promotional materials. ESPN’s marketing and WWE’s spotlight could pivot towards highlighting him, thereby reshaping fan expectations and solidifying Rhodes’s place as a top draw in the industry.