Well, let me tell you something, daddy! The Evolution of Cody Rhodes has been one of the most fascinating journeys in the history of professional wrestling! From his early days as a member of the Rhodes family dynasty to his current role as a top superstar in All Elite Wrestling, Cody has overcome numerous obstacles and reinvented himself time and time again.
Let’s start at the beginning. Cody Rhodes was born into wrestling royalty as the son of the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. From a young age, he was exposed to the business and began to develop a passion for it. He made his wrestling debut in 2006, wrestling in various independent promotions and developmental territories.
In 2007, Cody signed with WWE and began his journey on the main roster as part of the tag team “Legacy” alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. It was during this time that Cody began to establish himself as a rising star in the company. He had a natural charisma and an undeniable talent in the ring that quickly made him a fan favorite.
After his run with Legacy came to an end, Cody began to branch out on his own. He started to experiment with different characters and gimmicks, trying to find the one that would take him to the next level. He had some success as a dashing, narcissistic character, but it wasn’t until he became “Cody Rhodes, the Uncommon” that he really started to make an impact.
As the Uncommon, Cody was a cocky, confident heel who reveled in his own greatness. He feuded with some of the top stars in WWE, including Rey Mysterio and Big Show, and had some of the most memorable moments of his career during this time.
But it wasn’t until Cody left WWE in 2016 that his evolution really began to take off. He began wrestling on the independent scene, taking on new challenges and facing new opponents. He became a two-time Ring of Honor World Six-Man Tag Team Champion and a two-time IWGP United States Champion, cementing his status as one of the top stars outside of WWE.
In 2019, Cody made history by becoming one of the founding members of All Elite Wrestling. He quickly established himself as a top star in the company, winning the TNT Championship and engaging in feuds with some of the biggest names in wrestling, including Chris Jericho and MJF.
But it wasn’t just his in-ring success that made Cody such a compelling figure in the wrestling world. He also became an advocate for wrestlers’ rights and worked to improve the industry for everyone involved. He pushed for better pay and benefits for wrestlers and was instrumental in helping AEW establish a healthcare plan for its talent.
Throughout his career, Cody has shown a willingness to take risks and try new things. He’s reinvented himself time and time again, always striving to be better and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in wrestling. He’s a true trailblazer and a symbol of hope for anyone who’s ever dreamed of making it in the business.
One of the most notable aspects of Cody’s evolution has been his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. He’s been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, and has used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness. He’s also been a vocal supporter of various charitable causes, including animal rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
In addition to his work in the wrestling industry, Cody has also made a name for himself as an entrepreneur. He’s launched a successful clothing line, and has even dabbled in acting, appearing in various TV shows and movies.
But perhaps what’s most impressive about Cody’s evolution is the way he’s managed to stay true to himself throughout it all. Despite the various characters and gimmicks he’s portrayed over the years, there’s always been a core sense of authenticity to his performances. He’s never been afraid to show vulnerability or emotion, and has always been willing to take creative risks in order to push the boundaries of his craft.
Top 5 Cody Rhodes Matches
Cody Rhodes has had numerous memorable matches throughout his career, but here are five of his most iconic matches, along with a description of each:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio – WrestleMania 27 (2011)
This match was a classic example of a young up-and-comer taking on a veteran of the business. Cody Rhodes had been taunting Rey Mysterio for weeks leading up to their match, making fun of Mysterio’s mask and claiming that it was holding him back. The two finally squared off at WrestleMania 27, and put on an incredible match that showcased both men’s talents. In the end, Rhodes picked up the win, cementing his status as a rising star in WWE.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust – WWE Battleground (2013)
This match was a family affair, with Cody Rhodes taking on his half-brother Goldust in a battle for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The two had been feuding for weeks leading up to the match, with Cody claiming that Goldust was holding him back and preventing him from achieving his full potential. The match was an emotional rollercoaster, with both men putting everything on the line. In the end, Cody came out on top, but the real victory was the bond that was strengthened between the two brothers.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Jericho – AEW Double or Nothing (2019)
This match was the first-ever singles match in All Elite Wrestling, and it pitted Cody Rhodes against one of the biggest names in wrestling history, Chris Jericho. The two had been feuding for weeks leading up to the match, with Jericho mocking Cody for his wealthy background and claiming that he was undeserving of his spot in AEW. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men pulling out all the stops. In the end, Cody emerged victorious, earning the right to challenge for the AEW World Championship.
- Cody Rhodes vs. MJF – AEW Revolution (2020)
This match was one of the most personal and emotional matches of Cody Rhodes’ career. MJF, Cody’s former protege, had turned on him and aligned himself with the villainous Inner Circle faction. In order to get a shot at MJF, Cody had to agree to a series of humiliating stipulations, including being lashed with a belt and getting his head shaved. The match was intense, with both men giving it their all. In the end, MJF came out on top, leaving Cody broken and battered.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes – AEW Double or Nothing (2019)
This match was another family affair, with Cody taking on his older brother Dustin Rhodes. The match had been building for weeks, with Dustin claiming that Cody had become too obsessed with winning and had lost sight of what really mattered. The match was an emotional rollercoaster, with both men putting everything on the line. In the end, Cody emerged victorious, but the real victory was the bond that was strengthened between the two brothers.
These matches represent just a small sampling of the incredible career of Cody Rhodes. He’s had numerous other classic matches, and his evolution as a performer is truly remarkable.
Conclusion
As he continues to evolve, it’s clear that Cody has a bright future ahead of him. He’s already accomplished so much in his career, but there’s still so much more he can achieve. Whether he’s in the ring or outside of it, he’s sure to continue making an impact and inspiring fans around the world.
In the end, the Evolution of Cody Rhodes is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. He’s proven that it’s possible to achieve greatness in the wrestling world while staying true to oneself and using one’s platform to make a positive difference in the world. And for that, he will always be remembered as one of the true legends of the industry.
