Cody Rhodes doesn’t want to be known as the guy who helped launch All Elite Wrestling. At the end of the day, he’s aiming for his legacy to be defined by his greatness as a wrestler and, if all goes to plan, his successful quest to win the world title in WWE.
Rhodes is a former AEW EVP; he was with the company from the start, and he had been featured as one of its stars throughout its early years. As a three-time TNT Champion, “The American Nightmare” remains one of the most decorated wrestlers in AEW’s relatively short history. But he chose to leave the company in February in order to launch a new chapter in his career. He subsequently returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38, and he has continued to emphasize that his ultimate goal is to win the WWE Championship in honor of his father, Dusty.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Rhodes discussed this mission and noted that while he hasn’t faced “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns since he returned, “The American Nightmare” is confident that he’s the best wrestler in the world. He made it clear that he doesn’t wish to upset people when he makes that claim.
“Roman Reigns and I, we haven’t had any interactions yet,” Rhodes said. “We haven’t crossed paths in the ring. I’ve seen enough to know he is incredible, and even better when you see him up close. So this isn’t the easiest path I’ve chosen. But I know I can do this.
“I think I’m the best wrestler in the world. And I think it’s by a large margin. That upsets a lot of people, but I don’t mean it to draw ire. This is all I do. I’m not in charge. I’m here to hone my craft, build my body, and win matches. Every week, I have to be better. That’s the ultimate clarity for me.”
The WWE RAW star went on to point out that since he returned to the brand brand, the production team has elevated the presentation of “The American Nightmare”, and he’s determined to live up to the hype by proving that he’s the best.
“I’m on the flagship show,” said Rhodes. “Look at the pyro and grandeur. Hats off to Kevin Dunn and his team for taking the ‘American Nightmare’ and expanding upon it. I know I must be better every week. That’s the only way I can stay the best in the world. Week to week, I’m putting myself under a microscope. Go ahead and put all the microscopes in the world on me. I want Fox to come calling. I did it for Turner Media and I got a great education at my last spot. Bring it on; I want it all.”
Rhodes also emphasized how he’s chasing his dream to win the world title in Vince McMahon’s promotion, something he’s wanted to do since he was a kid. He noted that he’s proud of his contributions to AEW, but becoming the champion would be “wonderful.”
“I don’t want my wrestling legacy solely to be that I helped start an alternative wrestling company,” Rhodes says. “I’m really proud of that and I want it to be part of my legacy, but what I’ve always wanted is what I’m after right now. I’m getting a second chance at that, and that is my entire focus.
“I want to do this for my whole family. My wife, my daughter, my sister Teil, my mom. If I can’t hand this title to my dad, it would be wonderful to hand it to my mom.”
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