Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has publicly singled out Dominik Mysterio as a cornerstone for the company’s future, offering a strong endorsement that signals WWE’s long-term plans for the rising star. Speaking on the popular ALL THE SMOKE podcast, Rhodes revealed that not only is Dominik viewed internally as a future top star, but he personally believes Dominik will be a main event fixture for years to come.
Cody Rhodes on Evolution and Load Management in WWE
Rhodes used the podcast platform to discuss the significant changes WWE has undergone, particularly around “load management” — managing wrestlers’ schedules and health with fewer live events than in past decades. Rhodes contrasted current practices to the grueling schedules he endured early in his career, noting that while the lighter schedules are healthier, the heavy competition exposed wrestlers to valuable in-ring experience.
He credited WWE’s new leadership, including Paul “Triple H” Levesque and President Nick Khan, for transforming the business by reducing live events from roughly 200 to around 120 dates annually. Still, Rhodes admitted missing the intense frequency of wrestling and expressed hope for innovative ways to balance wrestler wellness and skill development.
Dominik Mysterio: Rhodes’ Favorite Example of WWE’s Future
Within this conversation about improving the business, Rhodes identified Dominik Mysterio as his “favorite example” of a young talent adapting successfully to the evolving WWE environment. Unlike many wrestlers on the roster, Dominik is balancing multiple promotions while avoiding burnout through smarter scheduling, enabling him to develop his skills and star power effectively.
Rhodes emphasized, “Dominik Mysterio is special, special talent. He’s somebody often cited internally — I don’t think I’m giving anything away here — as someone who’s gonna be the future of WWE. When it’s said, I believe it.” He forecasted that 15 years from now, he expects to attend a WWE event featuring Dominik at the top of the card, proof of the high regard WWE holds for him.
The Rise of Dominik Mysterio
At 25 years old, Dominik Mysterio carries not only the legacy of his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, but also his own growing accolades. Currently a double champion, holding both the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the AAA Mega Championship, Dominik has rapidly risen through the ranks, developing a reputation for sharp in-ring ability and an engaging heel persona on Raw.
Sources close to WWE confirmed that creative and management view Dominik as a rare talent who combines legacy, charisma, and adaptability — qualities that align with WWE’s vision for the next generation of top stars. A WWE insider explained, “Dominik’s blend of heritage and hard work makes him a prime candidate to lead the company’s future. The way he handles his schedule and continues to elevate his craft impresses both fans and executives.”
Balancing Legacy and Innovation
Cody Rhodes’ comments highlight a broader strategy within WWE: balancing respect for legacy with developing fresh stars who can carry the brand through changing industry demands. Dominik exemplifies this balance, benefiting from his family’s wrestling lineage while carving out his own unique identity.
Rhodes himself, having returned to WWE after a successful independent and AEW run, understands the importance of this transition. His praise for Dominik points to the company’s confidence in its younger talents navigating a wrestling landscape that must manage physical toll and increasingly sophisticated audience expectations.
A Glimpse into WWE’s Talent Strategy
The endorsement from Rhodes also underscores a significant shift in WWE’s talent development philosophy. The old “work all the time” mentality is now tempered by “load management” to preserve wrestlers’ longevity.
A talent relations source revealed backstage: “WWE likes to cultivate stars who can sustain peak performance over long careers. Dominik getting time to develop without overexposure fits perfectly into this new model.”
For Rhodes, this means appreciating wrestlers who are versatile, talented, and smart in managing their careers, traits Dominik is showing in abundance. This focus not only aims to preserve talent but to position WWE strongly in a competitive entertainment landscape.
Looking Ahead: Dominik Mysterio’s Role in WWE’s Future
With Rhodes’ high praise and insider confirmation of WWE’s confidence, Dominik Mysterio is positioned to be a pivotal figure in WWE’s ongoing evolution. His current status as a double champion and respected heel on Raw are early indicators that WWE’s championship and main event scene will feature him prominently in the coming decade.
As Rhodes highlighted, fans may well find themselves paying to see Dominik headline shows well into the next 15 years, a testament both to his talent and WWE’s carefully managed approach to building stars.
For continued WWE news and analysis, stay tuned as we track Dominik Mysterio’s ascent and other key stories shaping the company’s future.
