Cody Rhodes’ resurgence in WWE has positioned him as a central figure within the promotion, earning him the status of one of professional wrestling’s biggest stars.
However, a former four-time champion recently weighed in on Rhodes’ current storyline, suggesting that the “American Nightmare” should bide his time before reaching the pinnacle of his journey.
Matt Riddle, a former United States Champion, who spent five years with WWE before parting ways due to a merger with UFC, shared his insights on Cody Rhodes’ trajectory in a conversation with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
Despite his current involvement in the independent scene, Riddle remains engaged with the ongoing narratives in WWE.
Offering his perspective, Riddle proposed a nuanced approach to Rhodes’ storyline, advocating for a gradual buildup before the climactic moment of capturing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship:
“If I had the pencil, I would make Cody [Rhodes] wait for at least another year or two. Because if Cody wins the title, the story’s over, and now what? It’s over.”
Riddle elaborated on his proposed direction, envisioning a compelling narrative involving key WWE figures such as The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins.
He suggested a scenario where Rhodes faces Rollins, only to be thwarted by Damian Priest’s cash-in, ensuring the continuation of the storyline:
“Then I would’ve Cody beat Seth, but then I would’ve Damian Priest cash in on Cody. So, in that sense, you keep the story going.”
Acknowledging the transient nature of fan interest, Riddle emphasized the importance of sustaining engagement by keeping the narrative dynamic and multifaceted.
Reflecting on Rhodes’ past rivalries, particularly his feud with Brock Lesnar culminating at WWE SummerSlam 2023, Riddle shared his aspirations, expressing a desire to retire the formidable Lesnar from in-ring competition:
“I remember like my ‘goal’ in my wrestling career was to retire Brock Lesnar.”
While Lesnar’s return to WWE remains uncertain, Riddle’s remarks underscore the enduring impact and evolving dynamics within the wrestling landscape.
