Cody Rhodes Refuses To Become A Corporate Version Of Himself
By Craig Ballantyne on 4 November 2025
Cody Rhodes wants to keep the disruptor alive in himself.
After leaving WWE in 2016, Cody Rhodes soon joined up with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega in The Elite. The group had one goal in mind: to change the wrestling world. They ultimately achieved that ambition in 2019, when they launched All Elite Wrestling alongside Tony Khan.
The company was a disruptive force for pro wrestling, providing stars with another major organization to compete in, improving conditions, and offering fans the first alternative product on a major TV network since WCW’s demise in 2001.
After a few years in AEW, Rhodes caused another stir in 2022, when he became the first, and so far only, EVP to leave the promotion he helped found. He then not only returned to WWE, but also took his entire American Nightmare presentation to the company, something unusual for WWE to allow. He immediately became one of the top stars in the company and is now widely regarded as the face of the promotion as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.
Speaking to All The Smoke, Cody Rhodes admitted that his success has led to some inner conflict, as he is concerned about turning into a “corporate” version of himself. The star says he is “honored” to be in the position he is, but he does have to check that the “disruptor” that got him there is still inside.
“I think a lot about it now, because now I’m often put out there as the face of the company and I don’t know if that’s accurate or not but that’s often where I’m positioned and I’m honored by that role but I think, is he still inside? I know that’s like a crazy thing. Is this disruptor — is he still in there? How would he approach this? How would he feel?
“I try everything I can to not become a corporate version of myself, even in the most corporate settings. It could be quite easy actually. You get everything you ever want and then, you gotta find it inside. Is it still lit? Is it still on fire?”
Cody Rhodes Plans To “Finish His Days With WWE” After Next Contract
During the same interview, Cody Rhodes said he planned to sign one more contract with WWE before “finishing his days” with the company. While the star’s words are ambiguous, it likely means he will retire from wrestling after his run with the promotion ends.
Do you think Cody Rhodes has gone corporate? Or is he still a disruptor? Let us know your thoughts below!
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.