Credit: WWE.com
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently revealed a striking creative idea he proposed to WWE executive Bruce Prichard: the revival of Prichard’s classic “Brother Love” persona to present him with the legendary “Winged Eagle” WWE Championship belt. This pitch came during an episode of the “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast, shedding new light on Rhodes’ keen respect for WWE’s rich history and the lengths he would go to blend past and present in his character work.
The “Brother Love” Character: A WWE Classic
“Brother Love” was a flamboyant, red-faced televangelist character portrayed by Bruce Prichard during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The character was famous for his over-the-top promos and was the original manager for The Undertaker when he debuted. Though “Brother Love” hasn’t been part of WWE programming for decades, the character remains a nostalgic figure cherished by longtime fans.
Cody Rhodes expressed admiration not only for the character but for the nostalgic impact Prichard’s return could have on fans, especially in connection with the historic “Winged Eagle” title belt.
Cody’s Pitch to Bruce Prichard
On the podcast, Rhodes explained the genesis of his idea: “I wanted Bruce to be Brother Love to present me with the Winged Eagle Title.” He admitted the pitch was made partly in jest but seriously hoped it would come to fruition. “I knew Brother Love wasn’t coming back when I asked, but I wanted it,” Rhodes said. The vision was to recreate the magic of a Saturday Night’s Main Event-style moment, with Brother Love ceremonially handing over the iconic title as Rhodes made a statement.
The “Winged Eagle” championship belt, beloved for its intricate design and association with WWE’s golden era, was brought back by Rhodes earlier this year for his feud with Kevin Owens. Having Brother Love present that belt would have merged two powerful wrestling legacies into one memorable segment.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, the pitch underlined his commitment to respecting WWE’s past while shaping his own era as champion. A WWE insider shared, “Cody always thinks in terms of legacy. Bringing back Brother Love for that moment was classic Cody honoring history to elevate his story.”
The Symbolism of the Winged Eagle Title
The “Winged Eagle” WWE Championship belt is arguably the most iconic wrestling title design in history, symbolizing a prestigious era of WWE in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Freddie Blassie, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, and many legends held this design. Rhodes previously revealed how meaningful this belt is to him, especially as it connects to the lineage his father “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes helped define.
Reviving that belt for high-profile storylines emphasizes Rhodes’ desire to intertwine nostalgia with contemporary excellence. Though the Brother Love pitch didn’t materialize according to Bruce Prichard, the idea reflects the creative dialogues WWE encourages between its talent and executives.
Bobby Lashley, Triple H, and Creative Collaboration in WWE
Rhodes has frequently spoken about the collaborative environment fostered by WWE executives like Triple H and Nick Khan. He described the process as one where his wrestling instincts and storytelling knowledge are valued, giving him input on his character and arcs.
This collaborative approach is likely why ambitious ideas such as the Brother Love return pitch can be floated, even if only briefly: “The company listens. They respect what I bring, and I’m not just performing I’m invested in the lineage and traditions that make WWE special,” Rhodes remarked in previous interviews.
The Future of Legacy Characters in WWE
The potential return of a character like Brother Love would signal WWE’s willingness to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling. While Rhodes’ pitch was ultimately declined, many fans and insiders see value in occasionally resurrecting beloved personas to create unique moments.
In the modern WWE landscape, where legends often interact with current stars, bringing back a classic character could appeal to multiple generations of fans. As a WWE insider put it, “Legacy is WWE’s lifeblood. Cody’s pitch was a reminder of how embracing history can elevate today’s product.”