WWE star Cody Rhodes describes a ‘proper heel’: is he overdue for another layer of paint?

AEW

WWE star Cody Rhodes shared his thoughts on what makes a ‘proper heel’, offering a unique insight that might be a spoiler for a shift ahead.

While Cody Rhodes continues to engage in a vicious feud with Randy Orton, fans have begun to speculate if perhaps the impossible could happen – WWE turn Cody Rhodes heel.

Cody Rhodes’ definition of ‘heel’ might not be yours

Appearing on the Flagrant podcast, Cody Rhodes described his perspective on heels and perhaps dropped a tease.

Cody Rhodes said:

“Proper heels don’t [get the credit]. And today, we’re redefining the industry every day. So when you speak in absolutes, when I speak in absolutes, I get in trouble because I say, ‘Well, that’s not a heel,’ or, ‘That’s not a babyface.’ The fans are the ones who decide. So they’re right and I’m wrong.

“But I will say, at least how I was trained, a proper heel isn’t someone that you like, isn’t someone that you’re like, ‘Oh, he got new music and a new look and dark hair and all that.’ That’s another layer of paint that makes you cool.”

Perhaps showcasing a bit more of his ‘old school’ mentality, Rhodes shared an anecdote about who he considers to be the GOAT of heels, JBL.

Recalling JBL insisting that his merchandise not be sold at an event in his home state of Texas, Rhodes spoke with admiration for JBL’s commitment to being a true heel.

Let’s not mess with the merch

One fascinating detail from Rhodes’ past comments regarding being highly unlikely to ever turn heel was the overall economic impact.

Comparing the Cody Rhodes brand to that of Taylor Swift, Rhodes noted that while it might be edgy or cool for Swift to trade the arena tours for only small underground club appearances – it would derail the massive commercial and industrial machine behind the fandom.

Being a leading merchandise seller, overall face of the organization across a variety of major corporate sponsorships – it makes complete sense for Rhodes to not go full heel – in terms of his definition of being a proper heel.

However, instead of a full departure from the merch machine that is the American Nightmare, adding a layer of complexity to Cody for a short season also leads to a ton of opportunity for sales.

Bringing in a darker color palette to replace the red, white & blue theme wouldn’t cancel out the beloved by all ages version of Rhodes rather just offer a unique spin.

Dark Cody incoming?

One of the most fascinating and frankly, beautiful parts of professional wrestling is the way that as a character moves through generations, companies and eras – each having their own unique lore.

With Cody Rhodes carrying his own fan base of clearly dedicated disciples, it could be that a ‘another layer of paint’ is exactly what WWE’s version of Cody Rhodes needs.

While the AEW Dark Cody iteration was brought about inspired by the Death of Superman, there could certainly be a case to be made as to how a similar tale could be told today in WWE.

Rhodes went from undesirable to undeniable but perhaps he’s reached a point now that he’s bordering on the edge of undervalued and under appreciated by the WWE universe.

Less Hollywood Cody and more American Badass

While the natural urge might be to lean into Cody Rhodes upcoming featured role in the Street Fighter movie and bring about a Hollywood Cody era – it isn’t the right play.

A darker version of Cody cannot alienate the audience, a concept that not only does Rhodes seem acutely aware of but certain WWE brass wouldn’t want to risk catastrophe.

Entirely opposite to John Cena’s heel turn which was seemingly meant to break hearts, a pivot for Rhodes shouldn’t be that dramatic.

Instead, a new layer of paint for the American Nightmare could be more akin to the return of the Undertaker as the American Badass. Same beloved man, notably different characters that exist somewhat separately.

Transcription via Wrestling Observer Online

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