Cody Rhodes has made it clear he’s thinking about a future beyond the ring, but he’s already aware of the competition for WWE’s top job whenever Triple H eventually steps aside.
Speaking with ESPN, the Undisputed WWE Champion admitted he once viewed himself as the natural successor for a leadership role. Now, he sees a tougher path ahead. “I thought, well, obviously I’m the best candidate,” Rhodes said. “I don’t know if I’m actually the best, but you want to run the place. I felt like I had some experience and I’d be interested in something like that.”
Rhodes pointed to other names he believes could thrive in the role. He praised CM Punk’s ability to develop younger talent and said that while Seth Rollins can be “rough around the edges,” he would likely be an “outstanding boss.”
He also mentioned Bayley and Roman Reigns as voices who will “always have a say” in shaping the company. “I’d love to throw my name in the hat,” he added. “I don’t know if I’m ready to do it officially yet… Triple H is doing a great job. So thankfully we have him for quite some time.”
Rhodes’ acknowledgment of Reigns stands out, given their long-running rivalry. While promoting Wrestlepalooza, Rhodes recalled a candid moment where Reigns reflected on WWE’s expanded platform with ESPN. “It’s really everything that our dads ever worked for… They did it all, and then we get to revel in this wonderful success – so we better bring it,” Rhodes remembered him saying. (h/t WrestleTalk)
For now, Rhodes remains focused on his active run. After confronting Drew McIntyre on SmackDown last week, he is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against him at Wrestlepalooza, content to keep learning while Triple H continues at the helm.