Cody Rhodes has identified the man he believes will carry WWE into the future—and he didn’t hesitate to name him. Speaking on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, the Undisputed WWE Champion declared that Bron Breakker is destined to become the face of the company, even if that means surpassing him.
Rhodes admitted that he was initially unsure about Breakker’s potential but has since shifted his stance, likening the rising star’s development to that of a rookie quarterback on the verge of leading a franchise.
“I love Bron Breakker and he’s not gonna like me saying this but, I’m glad you talked to him because Bron Breakker is—I didn’t think this at first and I don’t mean this with any disrespect—I do think it now though—he’s the future of WWE,” Rhodes said. “…I already know this guy’s probably gonna beat me at some point down the road but at least I’m going to enjoy this period of time where he’s just, ‘…Hi…’ He’s amazing.”
For now, both men have immediate challenges at Wrestlepalooza this Saturday. Breakker will team with Bronson Reed to take on The Usos, while Rhodes defends the Undisputed Championship against long-time rival Drew McIntyre.
Rhodes also reflected on a private conversation with Roman Reigns, his former rival in consecutive WrestleMania main events. The two shared perspective on WWE’s growing mainstream presence. “It’s that WWE and pro-wrestling in general going to such a big platform like ESPN, it’s really everything that our dads ever worked for,” Rhodes recalled Reigns saying. (h/t WrestleTalk)
With Reigns absent from this weekend’s card, Rhodes remains the centerpiece of WWE’s newest era. But his endorsement makes clear that the company’s future star isn’t just emerging—he’s already been recognized by the reigning champion.