Cody Rhodes remains one of WWE’s flagship superstars, currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, yet critics have increasingly questioned his ability to carry the company during its recent creative and ratings challenges. In response to this scrutiny, Cody’s sister, Teil Rhodes, has publicly stepped up to defend her brother, pushing back against those blaming him for WWE’s struggles.
Teil Rhodes Addresses the Backlash Against Cody
Teil Rhodes, known for her outspoken support of the wrestling family, has voiced strong criticism of the detractors who hold Cody responsible for WWE’s current issues. She emphasized that the responsibility for WWE’s performance extends far beyond any single talent, regardless of their status.
“It’s unfair to place the weight of an entire company’s struggles on Cody alone,” Teil reportedly said in a recent statement. “He’s been doing everything he can to elevate WWE and create memorable moments for the fans. The problems lie with the overall creative direction and booking, not with one individual.”
This rare public comment from a family member comes amid mounting fan and media speculation questioning the long-term viability of Cody as the company’s top star. His sister’s perspective adds a personal and protective dimension to the debate, highlighting the human factor behind the wrestling persona.
Challenges Facing Cody Rhodes’ WWE Title Reign
Since reclaiming the WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2025 by defeating John Cena, Cody Rhodes has been at the center of WWE’s main event scene. However, insiders and analysts note significant creative challenges that have complicated his reign.
According to a recent breakdown by wrestling analyst Kevin Kellam, Cody faces a dearth of compelling main-event heel challengers to keep storylines fresh. The presence of Cena’s ongoing retirement tour and the imminent return of Brock Lesnar further complicate booking decisions around Cody’s character and title defenses[1].
Sources close to WWE creative reveal backstage concerns that the champion’s current storyline momentum may be overshadowed by veteran wrestlers’ swan songs instead of being driven by new rivalries based around Cody himself. One WWE insider commented anonymously, “Cody is carrying a heavy load, but the creative team struggles to find consistent, fresh opponents who can elevate him in the ring and on-screen.”
Injuries and Physical Toll
Adding to the pressure, Cody recently appeared to struggle physically during his match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Observers noticed him favoring his leg, leading to rumors of a possible injury. However, WWE has since confirmed that Cody suffered no serious damage, and this appears to have been part of the storytelling rather than an actual health setback[2].
Even so, the physical demands combined with the wear and tear of leading the company undoubtedly impact Cody’s performance ability and stamina. Teil Rhodes acknowledged the tough grind of the wrestling schedule, noting that “Cody’s commitment to WWE is absolute, but it does come with real physical and mental sacrifice.”
The Creative Criticism and Fan Reception
Critics of WWE’s booking in late 2025 have often cited the company’s treatment of Cody Rhodes as emblematic of larger creative missteps. A well-regarded article on Bleacher Report analyzed how the evolving storyline around Cody initially followed a perfect narrative arc, only for WWE’s writing decisions to falter, resulting in creative stagnation[3].
Fans have expressed frustration on social media, with some suggesting a “heel turn” — a switch to a villainous role — could reinvigorate Cody’s character and inject needed unpredictability into WWE programming. Wrestling commentators at Daily DDT have advocated for this direction, viewing it as a viable way to refresh Cody’s image and break away from the current “heroic” mold[6].
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes and WWE?
Looking forward, WWE insiders expect Cody to remain central to key upcoming events, including Survivor Series: WarGames, where he is advertised to compete[2]. The company also plans to integrate his storylines with other top stars such as John Cena and Brock Lesnar to maximize fan interest.
Despite the challenges, sources close to Cody affirm his passion and long-term commitment to WWE. In a recent candid interview, Cody revealed that he sees WWE as “home for life,” though he hinted that his current contract might be his last, reflecting a desire to eventually focus more on family and personal priorities[7].
Teil Rhodes has echoed this sentiment of unwavering support. “Cody is here to stay and fight for the company he loves,” she said. “Criticism is part of the game, but those closest to him know he’s putting his heart and soul into every match and promo.”
Backstage Insight: The Real Dynamics Behind the Scenes
Behind the curtain, WWE creative leadership continues to evaluate strategies that could better position Cody Rhodes as the company’s enduring franchise player. “The problem isn’t Cody it’s that we need more compelling stories and fresh faces to surround him,” a WWE writer shared off-record. “When the talent and the storytelling click, Cody is unstoppable.”
This insider perspective aligns with the public view of Teil Rhodes – that attacking Cody personally ignores the bigger picture of WWE’s complex ecosystem. The narrative that Cody alone bears the blame for recent WWE hurdles oversimplifies the layered challenges a large entertainment company faces.