A WWE Hall of Famer believes fans should not expect Cody Rhodes to turn heel any time soon, despite the dramatic title change that took place on last week’s SmackDown.
Cody Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell Match on January 9, a result fuelled by the shocking return of Jacob Fatu. With Fatu previously positioned as a babyface and a growing number of fans directing scattered boos at Rhodes, some have speculated that WWE could soon pivot the former champion into a full-blown villain.
However, speaking on Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray argued that the company should only make that move once every possible avenue as a babyface has been exhausted.
“The time to turn Cody Rhodes heel is when you have milked every ounce of babyface dollar and cents out of him and when it makes sense for him to turn heel in the story,” Bully said. “Hulk Hogan, one of the most loved wrestlers of all time, turned heel, and it worked like a charm. John Cena, one of the most loved babyfaces in the history of wrestling, turned heel and it did not work. Steve Austin turned at WrestleMania, and it kind of worked, I do not know.”
Bully Ray stressed that the decision should be led by both storytelling logic and financial reality. Rhodes is one of WWE’s most bankable stars in his current role, and that, Bully argued, makes a heel turn unlikely unless WWE already has the next fan favourite ready to replace him.
“Here is the number one thing, if you are going to turn Cody Rhodes heel, who is the babyface that you are turning Cody Rhodes heel for?” he said. “I do not see that new babyface on the horizon. You need to find somebody who has as much potential, if not more, than Cody Rhodes.”
Rhodes now enters the Royal Rumble season without the company’s top prize, but according to Bully Ray, WWE’s most popular hero is still far from finished in the spotlight.
How Long Was Cody Rhodes The Undisputed WWE Champion?
Cody Rhodes has held the Undisputed WWE Title for a combined 537 days across two reigns. His first reign with the title lasted for 378 days, and he captured the belt at WrestleMania 40, defeating Roman Reigns in a Bloodline Rules match. He successfully defended the title eight times before losing it to John Cena at WrestleMania 41.
Rhodes started his second reign with the title at SummerSlam, defeating Cena to reclaim the belt, and he would defend it a further four times before he lost it to Drew McIntyre on January 9.
