Cody Reflects on His Past and Present
Undisputed WWE Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes has seldom shied away from discussing the twists and turns of his storied wrestling career. In a revealing appearance on the popular podcast All The Smoke, Rhodes opened up about his early days as Stardust in WWE, his evolution as a performer, and, most notably, the invaluable lessons learned from working with one of wrestling’s all-time greats: Jake “The Snake” Roberts in AEW[1].
Rhodes was candid about his experience in WWE’s mid-2010s, a time when he felt creatively stifled and undervalued. “At the beginning of Stardust, I looked at it as real—this was the era of you’re not getting a lot of playing time, but you’re expected to make the most of every chance you get,” Rhodes said, reflecting on a character that many fans initially viewed as a gimmicky afterthought. Yet, his eventual departure from WWE and reinvention in All Elite Wrestling would set the stage for pivotal encounters—especially with legends like Jake Roberts.
The Masterclass Promo That Changed Cody’s Career
Among the highlights of his AEW tenure was a memorable promo segment opposite the legendary Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Rhodes singled out this exchange as a “masterclass,” crediting Roberts for teaching him more in a single promo than months of TV time could provide elsewhere. “I learned a lot from Jake Roberts in just one promo,” Rhodes admitted. “He showed me how a guy can cut your legs out from under you if you’re not fully prepared. If you’re strong enough as a character, you can stand your ground; if not, he’ll just move past you. The competition for who gets to the top is very real—just the other parts of this job aren’t.”[1]
Rhodes’ comments illustrate the razor-thin line between being elevated and being exposed in the world of professional wrestling. A backstage source close to the situation added, “Jake’s psychology and intensity haven’t dulled with age. When he stepped in the ring with Cody, everyone in Gorilla position knew they were watching something special. You could hear a pin drop when Jake started speaking—it’s a rare quality, even among legends.”[1]
The Art of the Promo: What Makes Jake “The Snake” Roberts Special
Jake Roberts is widely regarded as one of the greatest talkers in wrestling history—a master of psychological manipulation whose promos were as much a part of his matches as any hold or suplex. His ability to unsettle opponents and audiences alike made him a unique force in wrestling’s “Golden Era” and, as Rhodes’ experience shows, his skills remain undiminished decades later[2].
Roberts’ work has always been about more than just words—it’s about presence, timing, and an innate understanding of crowd psychology. “The real sign of what we do is the competition on who gets to the top; that’s all very, very real. The rest is window dressing,” Rhodes explained, echoing sentiments often associated with Roberts’ own philosophy on the business[1].
Behind the Scenes: Cody Rhodes and Jake Roberts’ Working Relationship
It’s worth noting that despite their wrestling legacies, Rhodes and Roberts had never crossed paths until their AEW encounter. “I didn’t meet Cody until AEW,” Roberts revealed. “I didn’t know him. I mean, I’d seen him here and there, I’d seen him as Stardust. I remember thinking there was more to him than what he was being given a chance to show.” That single night’s segment left a lasting impression, forging a mutual respect between the old-school legend and the modern-day champion[4].
Sources close to Cody Rhodes say he remains in awe of how Roberts could command the room using nothing but his voice and presence. “In wrestling, you meet a lot of people who talk a big game,” a WWE insider told us. “But few can actually walk into the ring, grab the mic, and instantly turn the mood. Jake is one of those few. Cody saw that firsthand, and you can tell it’s influenced how he approaches his promos now.”
The Stardust Days and Cody’s Evolution
Rhodes’ WWE tenure as Stardust was a period of frustration and self-discovery. Though the character was initially dismissed by many, Rhodes used it as a platform to experiment, grow, and eventually prove he belonged among wrestling’s elite. “The Stardust era was about doing what I could with what I’d been given,” Rhodes said. “I learned a lot about who I was and where I wanted to go.”
This period of his career is a favorite among collectors, with figures like the recent Mattel WWE Elite “Stardust” celebrating his legacy within the company[5]. However, it was outside WWE’s confines that Rhodes truly blossomed, culminating in his current status as WWE’s top champion and a locker-room leader.
Lessons That Transcend Eras
The lessons Rhodes took from his encounter with Jake “The Snake” Roberts are both practical and philosophical. On a technical level, Rhodes learned about the importance of standing your ground in a promo—showing that true strength comes not just from offense, but from weathering verbal assaults with poise. Philosophically, he absorbed the reality that, in wrestling, the battle for supremacy is always present, even when the outcomes are scripted.
Roberts’ influence extends beyond that one night. Rhodes has since become one of WWE’s most compelling promos, a skill he credits in part to that masterclass with Roberts. “You can watch hours of tape, but until you’re in the ring feeling the pressure of a Jake Roberts promo, you don’t really understand what this business is about,” Rhodes said, according to a source close to him.
WrestleMania Main-Eventer Meets Hall of Famer
Today, Cody Rhodes stands atop WWE as its Undisputed Champion—a title his father, Dusty Rhodes, never held. His journey from Stardust to the American Nightmare is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Meanwhile, Jake “The Snake” Roberts continues to serve as an elder statesman of wrestling, recently returning to the spotlight as a special advisor for AEW’s community outreach program, AEW Together[2].
Their paths crossed briefly, but the impact was lasting. As Rhodes continues his reign, it’s clear that the wisdom he gained from Roberts—like that of his legendary father—has helped shape the champion he is today.
Conclusion: Respect for the Masters
In an industry that thrives on larger-than-life characters and unforgettable moments, the true mark of greatness is often found in quiet lessons and subtle interactions. Cody Rhodes’ openness about learning from Jake “The Snake” Roberts isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a reminder of wrestling’s living history and the importance of mentorship, even in fleeting encounters.
As one veteran producer put it, “You can always tell when a wrestler has studied the greats. Cody’s not just a great talker because of his genes; he’s a great talker because he listens. And when Jake Roberts speaks, you’d be a fool not to listen.”
For fans, Rhodes’ story is a masterclass in legacy, learning, and what it means to truly respect the business. And for those in the locker room, it’s a lesson in how the wisdom of wrestling’s old guard continues to inspire champions for generations to come.