In today’s modern era of professional wrestling, the lines between good and evil have become increasingly blurred. Gone are the days of clear-cut heroes and villains, as the wrestling landscape has seen a surge in anti-heroes and morally ambiguous characters. However, one WWE superstar has set out to buck this trend, embracing the traditional role of the babyface with unwavering dedication.
Cody Rhodes, the ‘American Nightmare,’ has long been a proponent of the traditional hero archetype, and his commitment to this persona has paid dividends in the eyes of the WWE Universe. Recently, Rhodes sat down with Live with Kelly & Mark, where he delved into the reasons behind his affinity for being a babyface.
The Evolution of the WWE Audience
Rhodes pointed to the changing demographics of the WWE audience as a key factor in the resurgence of the traditional babyface. According to Rhodes, the growing diversity of the WWE’s fan base has created an environment where the hero archetype can thrive. By embracing this shift, WWE has been able to tap into a more inclusive and accepting audience, one that values authenticity and relatability in their heroes.
“Look at the demographics of the WWE Universe today,” Rhodes observed. “We’re no longer just talking about a bunch of 30-year-old men from the Midwest; we’re talking about people from all walks of life, from all over the world. And I think that’s where the babyface comes in. People want to root for the guy who’s going to stand up for what’s right, who’s going to fight for the little guy. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
The Anti-Hero Trend and Its Impact on WWE
Rhodes also acknowledged the impact of the anti-hero trend on the wrestling industry. With the rise of characters like Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles, the lines between good and evil have become increasingly muddled. However, Rhodes believes that this trend has created an opportunity for the traditional babyface to shine.
“I think the anti-hero trend has actually helped us out in a way,” Rhodes said. “People are so used to seeing these complex, morally ambiguous characters that they’re ready for someone who’s just a good guy. They’re ready for someone who’s going to be honest, who’s going to be authentic, and who’s going to stand up for what’s right.”
The Importance of Authenticity and Relatability
At the heart of Rhodes’ commitment to the babyface persona is a desire to be genuine and relatable to the WWE Universe. By embracing his flaws and vulnerabilities, Rhodes has created a character that fans can root for and identify with.
“For me, it’s all about being authentic,” Rhodes said. “I’m not trying to be someone I’m not. I’m not trying to be a certain character or a certain persona. I’m just being myself, and I think that’s what resonates with people. They can see that I’m fighting for the right reasons, that I’m fighting for what’s just.”
A New Era for WWE
Rhodes’ dedication to the babyface archetype has helped pave the way for a new era in WWE, one where heroes and villains are no longer clearly defined. By embracing the complexity of the modern WWE Universe, Rhodes has created a character that is both relatable and authentic.
As one WWE insider noted, “Cody’s commitment to the babyface persona has been a game-changer for WWE. He’s shown that you can be a hero without being cheesy or over-the-top. He’s shown that you can be a hero without being afraid to show your vulnerabilities.”
The Future of Cody Rhodes
As the WWE continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional wrestling, Cody Rhodes remains committed to his traditional babyface persona. With his unwavering dedication to being genuine and relatable, Rhodes is poised to become one of the most beloved heroes in the WWE Universe.
“I’m just trying to be the best version of myself,” Rhodes said. “I’m trying to be a hero that people can look up to, that people can root for. And if that means being a little different, being a little unconventional, then so be it. I’m just trying to be the best babyface I can be.”
In the end, Cody Rhodes’ commitment to the traditional babyface archetype is a breath of fresh air in a wrestling landscape that often values complexity and ambiguity above all else. By embracing the hero within himself, Rhodes has created a character that is both authentic and relatable, a character that will continue to inspire and motivate the WWE Universe for years to come.