Cody Rhodes has admitted that many veterans have a more antiquated mindset when looking at the wrestling of today.
Growing up in the wrestling industry and the owner of The Nightmare Factory wrestling school, The American Nightmare has interacted with some of the biggest names in the business and has been a part of extremely varied locker rooms in the process. Speaking with Jonathan Coachman on the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast, Rhodes explained the importance of legends having a more open mind when looking at the business as the previous mentality of set rules no longer works:
“Have an open mind. A lot of the luminaries, legends, old-timers, when they mix with the modern locker room, the mistake is made of, ‘this is the only way it’s meant to be done. These are the rules. They are rigid, they are firm.’ You’ve seen this generation coming up of Gen Z.
We see a lot of it at the Nightmare Factory. That doesn’t work. That type of motivation doesn’t work. ‘I did it all and I was at the top of my game so you have to listen to everything I’m saying.’ I’ve noticed talent, especially younger talent, are more independent-minded than they’ve ever been. They’re more strong-willed than they’ve ever been about what they can do. If you’re one of these guys coming in, having an open mind is the greatest thing ever.”
Continuing, Cody Rhodes pointed out Triple H as an example of a veteran who has gone against the more traditional way of thinking while running creative in WWE and credits the Chief Content Officer for having a more open mind:
“Triple H being the pime example. He could have easily taken (Killer) Kowalski’s rules, ‘this is how it’s done and how we do it.’ Vince’s (McMahon) rules, ‘this is how it’s done and how we do it.’ Instead, having an open mind. Those rules will always be there. The classic things like less is more. That stuff will always be there for us to look back and say, ‘that’s why they worked. We should continue to apply them.’
That’s the number one thing I like when I see a veteran talent, when they have an open mind and are willing to have fun. It’s a goofy industry. There are serious angles and life and death. In my case, there have been so many things that are real to me. Also, this is fun and this is a family show and entertainment. Generationally, fathers and sons. Mothers and daughters. To be open to, there are a bazillion ways to do this, as long as the crowds are coming and making noise, there are a lot of ways to do it. Having an open mind is huge.”
Top TNA Star Thanks Cody Rhodes
Knowing the importance of giving back to the industry, Rhodes has been a crucial part of many wrestlers finding full-time work with his part in creating AEW. Additionally, one TNA star revealed that Cody Rhodes was responsible for the success they are seeing right now.
H/t to Fightful.