A WWE Hall of Famer feels that Cody Rhodes will be a better performer when the heel turn happens.
Approaching 3 years back in WWE, Rhodes has not only been a babyface for his entire return run but he has been the top babyface in the entire company. Overcoming the odds, going the extra mile and being the top merch seller at most events, Rhodes is still a fan favourite and shows no signs of his babyface momentum slowing anytime soon. However, when discussing The American Nightmare, one Hall of Famer does not share the same sentiment.
Speaking about the Undisputed Champion on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi rated Rhodes a 6 out of 10 but could see the champion improve with a heel gimmick similar to that of Ted DiBiase:
“I think it’s a six. He’s trying so hard. To be a babyface champion of the company, that’s a lot of pressure. It’s a lot of work, you know, shaking hands, kissing babies and all that stuff. In the meantime, you got so much responsibility on your back being the face of the company. You’re trying to be the best role model and champion during that time. Cody’s a great worker, but for me, I just feel he can be a better heel.
I feel that. He can be a hell of a heel. He’s that guy with the suave look, and he’s a white boy. C’mon. He’s got the suits on. It’s almost like a Million Dollar Man type of vibe, a new era Million Dollar Man, just that heat seeker, you know, ‘When I tell you to do something, do it. Here’s your tip right here.’ Throw him 50 cents or something. You know, that type because it’s so easy when you look at it, for me, it’s so easy to hate him.”
Continuing, Rikishi also added that while he is a fan of Rhodes’s in-ring work, he feels that The American Nightmare will be elevated to the next level when the heel turn comes:
“When you watch him wrestling, he does a lot of good stuff, but I think nowadays, to get heat, you gotta know how to move theatrical. You got to know how to move emotional people to get them in that vibe where you’re controlling these people by just even a stare down. When you have a stare down, and you got the whole building erupting, that’s where you’re different from the rest.
I don’t think he’s comfortable being a babyface. I think that he does everything fantastic in the ring, but it’s just something about that kid. The day he turns heel, I’m gonna be really happy for him because now he’s just gonna let loose on everybody.”
Cody Rhodes Agrees With UK Fans
Although Rikishi is still hoping for that Rhodes heel turn, the Undisputed Champion’s latest interview was not an indication that it would happen anytime soon. In agreement with John Cena and the British fans, Cody Rhodes called for a UK WrestleMania to take place soon.
H/t to Wrestling News.co