It’s been just over two years since Cody Rhodes decided to leave WWE and test himself on a worldwide scene, and there’s no denying that it’s been a huge success for him. Not only is the former WWE Intercontinental Champion an integral part of three major companies (Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wreslting, and National Wrestling Alliance), but he’s been able to up his profile in a major way. Rhodes has been a focal point of every promotion he’s been in, and isn’t going to be giving up that spotlight anytime soon.
On Sunday, Rhodes did his best Conor McGregor impression as he became a double-champ after winning NJPW’s US Championship from Juice Robinson. The match was fantastic from the opening walkout to the finish, and it solidified Rhodes’ place as one of the most entertaining figures in wrestling today. He even capped off the Fighting Spirit Unleashed by fitting himself into a three-way match for the IWGP Championship that I can’t wait to watch.
As a testament to how talented he is, Rhodes has been able to seamlessly work babyface in most of his matches in the US as of late, yet effortlessly played up his villainous characteristics and cocky attitude when going up against the beloved Juice Robinson. What’s so impressive is that there’s no sort of break in imagination while seeing it, Cody just knows when to exaggerate certain parts of his personality to fit whatever the promotion needs. Unlike what we’ve seen in most of American pro wrestling, where constant character turns are a result of bad booking, Cody has given his character a unique charisma that allows him to bask in shades of grey.
While Cody Rhodes isn’t as explosive in-ring as a Will Ospreay or doesn’t make everything look effortless like Kota Ibushi, he manages to do one thing better than everyone else in New Japan Pro Wrestling: entertain. An integral part of his current character is his wife, Brandi Rhodes, who is also able to go from a lovable face to a cheating villain in an instance. This adds another dimension to the character, and allows for even moments where he’s selling an attack for 20 seconds to have character work, such as when Brandi pulled her husband away from what seemed like a sure victory after Robinson hit his devastating “Pulp Fiction.”
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This constant character work is what separates Cody Rhodes from so many wrestlers. I never find myself zoning out during his matches, nor do they wind up being a match that’s fun to watch but unmemorable immediately after. There are always a few moments, such as Rhodes slowly cranking up his middle finger during the match at Fighting Spirit Unleashed that leave me thoroughly entertained.
What really is impressive, though, is that in-ring moments aren’t even the most entertaining part about Rhodes. He can cut one hell of a promo whenever needs be, and is fantastic on the webseries Being The Elite, but he’s also one of the most interesting figures from an industry standpoint. Rhodes has proven that there is a life outside of WWE for performers if they choose to test themselves. It’s not an easy one, as Rhodes has worked his ass off (or I guess I should more actively say that he’s gloriously sculpted his thighs since his physique continues to impress), but it is absolutely possible.
This goes beyond performing and into business, as he along with the Young Bucks put on the well-received ALL-IN event earlier this year. Nobody else is having this sort of impact on the pro wrestling business as a whole, and it’s utterly fascinating to watch unfold. Whenever Cody Rhodes is on television, be it as NWA Champion or wrestling on Ring of Honor’s biggest pay-per-view events, I’ll be sure to watch. Nobody else is keeping me just as entertained.
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