At Clash at the Castle, Cody Rhodes defeated AJ Styles in a “I Quit” match. Styles was shackled by Rhodes to a turnbuckle, and then he was threatened with two steel steps.
This was the most intense version of Rhodes that most WWE fans have ever seen. Rhodes has been a baby face in the WWE during his time there. He rarely breaks the rules or ups the amount of violence on film.
Maybe that’s why The Undertaker sees Rhodes turning heel in the end. However, the WWE legend doesn’t think it will occur anytime soon.
“He’s doing a phenomenal job, and again, I think he’s gonna have a tremendous run as a baby face,” The Undertaker said during an interview with Chris Van Vliet. “But, I think his bigger run will be as a heel. There’s just something about Cody with me that I envision a heel. It’s down the road because right now, he’s killing it as a baby face, his promos are on point, and he’s fighting all the people he’s supposed to be. He’s almost an anti-Roman.”
As a babyface, Rhodes’s reign as the unchallenged champion will probably continue. He is definitely the company’s face and is attracting enormous ratings. It’s conceivable that the creative team will wait to make a heel switch until his present momentum wanes. In this manner, they may resurrect Rhodes in a series of fresh narratives and set him up for long-term success. WWE now has the luxury of taking its time developing Rhodes’ character because of his recent contract deal.
Luckily for Rhodes and WWE viewers, Triple H is becoming known for his slow-moving narrative. Because of this, the stories that are currently being told about Rhodes’ championship will probably last until 2025 or beyond.
Still, it’s good to know Rhodes can take use of a completely other typology at the appropriate moment. And considering his demeanor and charm, it’s likely that the greatest is still to come from the wrestler who is perhaps the biggest star of this generation.