Cody Rhodes Open to Heel Turn, Discusses Creative Challenges of Babyface Role
Two-time Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has indicated a willingness to explore a villainous turn in his career, acknowledging the creative complexities of maintaining a heroic persona in contemporary WWE. Rhodes shared his thoughts on his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, alongside Rey Mysterio, reflecting on the challenges of portraying a consistently virtuous character.
The Appeal of a Heel Turn
“I feel right now, I like the challenge of being a babyface, because it seems almost impossible some nights. Because it’s easier to be cooler. I really admire Logan Paul’s situation. He could fall flat on his face and it’s no large deal, nothing lost. He can be mad at that crowd. I think sometimes there’s some elements of being a heel that are a lot of fun, whereas as a babyface, especially a white-meat style or more how Cena would put it, ‘virtuous’ where you’re really trying to produce the right choices. That’s not always the most appealing thing by modern entertainment standards,” Rhodes stated.
Rhodes highlighted the creative freedom associated with playing a heel, contrasting it with the pressures of maintaining a consistently heroic image. He noted that whereas WWE’s family-oriented audience still appreciates a traditional hero, the flexibility of a villainous role is appealing.
Navigating a Changing Landscape
Rhodes differentiated his approach from other WWE stars like LA Knight and Jey Uso, who connect with audiences through different styles. He suggested that a heel turn could be a revitalizing change, offering a different dynamic to his character.
“I think if we ever transition or if a heel (turn) was to come back up, that might be something I could even need in my life and don’t realize it, just from the sheer, ‘Let’s proceed out there and have some fun.’ I feel like there’s a lot of pressure and a challenge on the babyface spot. Whereas sometimes, in my experience at least, being a heel is a little bit, ‘Let’s just go have some fun. Nothing needs to happen until we’re ready for it to happen, we’ll obtain it when we get it.’ You can dictate that pace a little bit more too,” Rhodes added.
Looking Ahead After WrestleMania 38
Rhodes is currently adjusting to a new phase in his career following his defeat to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match in January 2026. This loss reshaped the championship landscape, with the next challenger set to face McIntyre at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Despite acknowledging the appeal of a potential heel turn, Rhodes remains a prominent babyface in WWE. He continues to embrace the challenges of the role while recognizing the creative benefits and reduced pressure that often accompany a villainous character.