The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently made it clear he will not turn heel simply because fans online keep demanding it.
‘The American Nightmare’ addressed the constant speculation during What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast and explained that while he remains open to the possibility, online pressure alone will not force a character change.
Rhodes said he is comfortable playing himself right now. He acknowledged that if the story eventually requires a heel turn, he would be willing to make that shift, but he is not going to manufacture one just to satisfy fantasy booking.
“I think that’s one of the things too where, like, people ask all the time, ‘When are you gonna turn heel?’ And it’s like, if that’s what the role requires at some point, sure. But right now, I get to just be me,” Rhodes said.
The American Nightmare explained that being himself does not always mean getting a positive reaction. He said some of his decisions may draw boos while others get cheered, but he will not suddenly change his character to meet online expectations.
“And sometimes being me means making a decision that maybe gets booed. Sometimes it means making a decision that gets cheered. But I’m not gonna suddenly start acting like something I’m not just because somebody online thinks that’s the move,” he stated.
He added:
“I’ve really enjoyed just getting to be myself in this run. And if eventually the story goes a different direction, then okay, that’s part of wrestling. But for now, I’m good with where I’m at.”
Rhodes remains one of WWE’s top babyfaces, but his latest comments keep the heel turn conversation alive. While he is not turning heel right now, he is no longer treating the idea as completely off the table either.
Cody Rhodes is set to defend his Undisputed WWE title against Gunther at Clash in Italy this weekend.