Cody Rhodes, WWE’s current Undisputed Champion and one of the top faces of the company, has recently shared his perspectives on WWE’s evolving business landscape and how the promotion can sustain and accelerate its growth in the coming years. Rhodes, who returned to WWE in 2022 after a successful stint outside the company, including co-founding AEW, has become a pivotal figure in the industry and a leading voice on WWE’s creative and commercial directions.
The Current State of WWE’s Business Through Cody Rhodes’ Eyes
WWE has seen notable growth and increased global reach over the past several years, reflected in booming viewership statistics, expanding digital platforms, and lucrative corporate partnerships. Cody Rhodes highlighted that these successes are the result of strategic content evolution, a sharpened creative vision, and the company’s willingness to blend sports-entertainment storytelling with athleticism in new ways.
According to a WWE insider, Rhodes sees WWE “at a pivotal crossroads — the brand is stronger than ever but must innovate and deepen its connection with fans worldwide to avoid complacency.” Rhodes pointed to successful shows like WrestleMania 41 and the Elimination Chamber as examples of how compelling storylines combined with top-tier wrestling performances enhance fan engagement and market appeal.
Rhodes’ Role in WWE’s Business Revival
Since his return, Cody’s impact has extended beyond major title victories. His status as the two-time consecutive Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 number one-ranked wrestler underlines both his drawing power and in-ring credibility[2][3]. Rhodes’ championship reign has been marked by multiple high-profile defenses against top-tier opponents such as Kevin Owens, GUNTHER, and Solo Sikoa, demonstrating WWE’s commitment to quality programming.
Sources close to Rhodes reveal that he sees his role not only as a performer but as a passionate advocate for elevating WWE’s product through creative risk-taking and deeper character development. This approach aligns with WWE’s blending of mature storytelling elements—blood, intense rivalries, and high-stakes matches—as witnessed in recent events, which have garnered praise for reviving the brand’s edgier and more authentic feel[4].
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for WWE
Rhodes acknowledges challenges that come with market shifts, especially amid WWE’s evolving media rights deals and the growing competition from rival promotions like AEW. The recent Disney acquisition of WWE intellectual property posed questions about whether corporate stewardship would impact WWE’s “grit and chaos,” elements that traditionally set WWE apart in the crowded sports-entertainment sector[4].
He remains optimistic but pragmatic about the company’s trajectory. According to a backstage source, Rhodes believes WWE “must balance staying true to its hard-hitting roots while innovating on fan experience, from streaming to live events.” ESPN’s new streaming venture, which integrates WWE alongside other major sports content, offers remarkable growth potential but also risks diluting WWE’s unique identity if over-sanitized[4].
Sustaining Growth: Creative Vision and Talent Development
Central to Rhodes’ vision is the cultivation of new talent and fresh narratives. He emphasizes that WWE’s long-term success depends on investing in the next generation of superstars who can resonate with diverse demographics globally. This includes increasing WWE’s global footprint, particularly in emerging markets where wrestling fanbases are rapidly growing.
Additionally, Rhodes notes WWE’s increasing focus on storytelling quality and match innovation, mixing high stakes with memorable characters, to maintain relevance amid a fragmented entertainment landscape. This dual focus on athletic performance and character multiplicity, Rhodes believes, will differentiate WWE even as streaming platforms evolve how fans consume content.
Cody Rhodes’ Impact on WWE Business Metrics
Beyond creative input, Rhodes’ marketability has driven merchandise sales, pay-per-view buys, and digital engagement, making him a business asset worth millions. With an estimated net worth around $8 million in 2025, fueled by a lucrative WWE contract said to be near $3 million annually, Rhodes exemplifies the modern wrestling star who blends in-ring excellence with strong personal branding[1].
He has become, in many ways, the “QB1” of WWE—the go-to leader and most visible ambassador—positioning the company strongly for both domestic and international growth[5]. His success contrasts and coexists with AEW mainstays like Jon Moxley, signaling a thriving wrestling industry with multiple top-tier talents driving business forward[5].
Looking Forward: WWE’s Business Expansion Strategy
Cody Rhodes projects that WWE’s continued expansion relies on three main pillars:
Innovative Content Delivery: Leveraging streaming technology and digital platforms, including ESPN’s new sports-entertainment streaming app, to reach diverse, global audiences while preserving WWE’s core excitement.
Creative Empowerment: Encouraging wrestlers and creative teams to take bold narrative risks while respecting the brand’s heritage of competition and spectacle.
Global Market Penetration: Deepening presence in international territories to capitalize on rising worldwide interest in professional wrestling.
WWE insiders confirm that Rhodes has advocated for signing and developing emerging international stars and integrating localized storylines to better appeal beyond the North American market.
Final Thoughts
Cody Rhodes’ assessment of WWE’s business reflects a nuanced understanding of both the company’s strengths and the evolving challenges within the sports entertainment ecosystem. His role as a top performer, creative voice, and business ambassador places him at the center of WWE’s next chapter of growth.
As one backstage observer noted, “Cody’s focus is not just about holding titles but about shaping WWE’s future — creatively and commercially — and that makes him more than just a champion, but a visionary.” His blend of in-ring prowess, leadership, and strategic insight provides WWE with a solid foundation to navigate an increasingly competitive and complex entertainment world.