WWE SmackDown was thrown into a loop thanks to The Rock's last minute planning. Once again, The Final Boss is causing a conundrum around WrestleMania season. While its likely true that he will not be in a match, he's injecting himself in the Cody Rhodes's angle. It's an interesting twist, especially as the Rhodes's title reign has grown stale. Perhaps this is the moment that fans get the character turn from him that they've long wanted to see.
The Cody Rhodes Heel Turn Isn't New
Cody Rhodes has played an excellent babyface since returning to the WWE. He's pushed himself to the top of all professional wrestling, rivaling Roman Reigns on his popularity in the ring and outside of it. He's moving units in merchandise and ticket sales in a way that is still surprising at times. He's reached the top and there's no denying that.
But is this the "real" Cody Rhodes? Much of his initial run in WWE was spent playing the over-confident nepo-baby. The son of a plumber and the brother of a WWE superstar who got his chance thanks to his last name. He played on that even after leaving the company, going on a stellar independent run that led to the creation of All Elite Wrestling.
But even while he was growing his star power in AEW, fans were expecting a heel turn to come. Many pundits predicted that his character was in fact a heel, but one who failed to realize it. Or even worst, knew what he was truly doing and continued to try to manipulate the fans.
That's the character Rhodes was playing toward the end of his AEW run and it would be interesting to see that character in WWE. The "Homelander" version of Rhodes as fans call them would be a meance. One that fans would want to see toppled, but at the same time they'd love him every step of the way.
Cody Rhodes as a heel and the impact to the rest of the roster
A "Corporate Champion" version of Cody Rhodes would have an impact on the rest of the roster. On one hand, it would be an opportunity to elevate individuals who'd be aligned with him. On the other, it would be a chance to turn other characters to make them his foils along the way.
Think of this opportunity. Rhodes takes someone like a Carmelo Hayes under his wing, promising to mold the arrogant young talent on SmackDown into a star of the future. That would be fantastic for Hayes's run, because it would put him in the area of the champion and the main event, where many fans want to see him.
Then there's the performers who would work as opponents to Rhodes. Cody Rhodes versus a babyface Randy Orton? That's not the direction anyone thought that potential angle would take. Rhodes against John Cena who is attempting to get the title one more time before closing down shop. What about the beloved Roman Reigns coming back for his title in a complete role reversal? There are some intriguing ways WWE could go when it comes to opponents for a heel version of Rhodes.
Change is constant in professional wrestling. Performers flip between heel and babyface, both intentionally and due to the support of fans. Cody Rhodes has all the support he needs, but there's always been a push to see him as a heel. Rhodes as the "Corporate Champion" would be the turn to create some fun throughout the WWE roster.