Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion and one of WWE’s brightest stars, has teased a unique and nostalgic project: an interview conducted as his infamous former WWE character, Stardust. This prospective episode would celebrate a milestone of his WWE-branded podcast, What Do You Want to Talk About?, blending his present-day success with a controversial and deeply personal chapter from his wrestling past.
Revisiting Stardust: A Polarizing WWE Persona
Stardust was Cody Rhodes’ alter ego during his earlier WWE tenure—a character modeled somewhat after his brother Dustin Rhodes’ legendary Goldust gimmick. Sporting an elaborate costume complete with a star-painted face, Stardust embodied an eccentric, surreal persona quite unlike the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes fans know today. Despite some notable moments, including a tag team title run alongside Goldust, Stardust was a source of creative frustration for Cody, stalling his momentum and frustrating his aspirations within WWE.
According to Rhodes, playing Stardust was “awful” and a detour from his true potential. He has openly spoken about the toll the character took on his mindset and career trajectory, going so far as to cite this period as a key factor behind his 2016 departure from WWE to seek self-reinvention elsewhere. As Cody described in various interviews, Stardust wasn’t what he wanted to be, but he gave it his best despite the challenges[1][3].
“Behind the scenes, Stardust just wasn’t for me. It wasn’t who I wanted to be in that world, even if it gave the crowd some fun moments… I found that a lot of the frustration was on me, but I wanted to make it work anyway,” Cody reflected in a candid discussion about his past character work[3].
A Milestone Celebration on What Do You Want to Talk About?
Cody Rhodes launched What Do You Want to Talk About? as an insightful, WWE-centered podcast where he interviews peers, family, and notable WWE personalities. The show has featured guests like Becky Lynch, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and his wife, Brandi Rhodes. Recently, during an episode with Becky Lynch, Cody revealed an intriguing idea for a milestone episode: conducting an interview as Stardust—essentially bringing the character back to life for a one-of-a-kind sit-down[1].
“I had this idea for, and I’m going to put this out into existence, if I reach a milestone with the podcast… I would do a bonus episode interviewing Stardust,” Rhodes shared during the podcast. Becky Lynch expressed enthusiasm about the concept, highlighting the unique self-reflective angle it would bring.
This planned special episode promises to provide fans a fascinating blend of storytelling, humor, and introspection, as Cody would interact with his own past, possibly exploring Stardust’s legacy and Rhodes’ personal evolution since then.
Behind the Scenes: Perspectives from WWE’s Inner Circle
Sources close to Cody Rhodes suggest that the Stardust interview idea is part of a broader effort to engage fans by embracing all facets of his career—both triumphant and tumultuous. A WWE insider noted, “Cody’s willingness to confront his Stardust past openly and creatively is a testament to his growth. It shows confidence and a desire to connect deeper with fans who remember that era, as well as new fans discovering the different layers of his journey.”
This approach also echoes the larger trend of wrestling’s increasing embrace of meta-narratives, where performers revisit former personas or storylines with added context and maturity. For Cody, it’s an opportunity to reclaim Stardust’s narrative on his own terms, acknowledging its role in shaping the star he is today.
Stardust’s Lasting Impact on Cody Rhodes’ Career
While Stardust is often remembered as a flawed character that hindered Cody Rhodes temporarily, its influence is undeniable. It forced Cody into a period of introspection and eventual reinvention away from WWE, leading him to hone his craft in other promotions worldwide. His triumphant return to WWE in 2022 with a revamped persona and the eventual capture of top titles is in many ways a redemption story linked to shedding the Stardust skin.
This forthcoming podcast episode is positioned not just as a look back but as a symbolic full circle moment. It puts into perspective how far Cody has come—from being trapped in an unfulfilling gimmick to becoming WWE’s top babyface and a voice in wrestling media.
What Fans Can Expect
Fans can anticipate a blend of humor, sincerity, and perhaps some playful absurdity when Cody interviews Stardust. Given Cody’s storytelling skill and emotional candor on his podcast, the episode will likely offer:
- Insights into the creation and creative struggles with Stardust’s character
- Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about WWE’s handling of the gimmick
- Reflections on how that era influenced Cody’s decision to leave WWE in 2016
- A heartfelt look at his transformation into the “American Nightmare” and Undisputed Champion
- The potential for a memorable and creative podcast milestone celebration
Final Thoughts
Cody Rhodes’ tease of an interview conducted as Stardust represents a compelling nod to his wrestling past while celebrating his current standing as a top star and thoughtful voice in WWE. It promises to be a must-listen for wrestling fans interested in the intricate personal journeys beneath the spotlight.
As one WWE insider put it, “Cody’s not just wrestling history. He’s wrestling’s storyteller. This Stardust episode will be a brilliant chapter that fans won’t want to miss.”
If quoting this article, please credit “What Do You Want to Talk About? With Cody Rhodes” and h/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.