Cody Rhodes Committed to Staying Top Babyface in WWE

The American Nightmare says he never wants to turn heel despite shifting audience dynamics.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cody Rhodes, the top babyface in WWE, has made it clear he has no plans to turn heel anytime soon. In a recent interview, Rhodes reflected on the changing dynamics of the audience, noting a departure from the "cool heel" era that dominated wrestling for years. He credited the younger demographic for embracing genuine heroes again and said he is having too much fun in his current role to consider a change. From a business standpoint, a character shift seems unlikely as Rhodes' merchandise numbers remain incredibly strong.

Why it matters

Cody Rhodes' commitment to maintaining his status as the top babyface in WWE is significant as it aligns with the company's recent shift towards embracing genuine heroes, particularly among the younger audience. This decision could have implications for Rhodes' path to WrestleMania 42 and the overall direction of WWE's storytelling.

The details

Rhodes reflected on the shifting dynamics of the audience, noting a departure from the "cool heel" era that dominated wrestling for years. He credited the younger demographic for embracing genuine heroes again, citing examples like Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. Rhodes said he is having too much fun in his current role to consider a heel turn. From a business standpoint, a character shift seems unlikely as Rhodes' merchandise numbers remain incredibly strong, and WWE officials would only make such a change if it was deemed absolutely necessary for storylines.

  • On Wednesday, Cody Rhodes appeared on Live with Kelly & Mark to discuss his role in WWE.
  • Last month, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that Rhodes' merchandise numbers remain incredibly strong.

The players

Cody Rhodes

A professional wrestler and the current top babyface in WWE.

Drew McIntyre

The current WWE Champion, who recently defeated Cody Rhodes for the title.

Sami Zayn

A professional wrestler who will face Cody Rhodes in a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber.

Jacob Fatu

A professional wrestler who will also face Cody Rhodes in the Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

Dave Meltzer

A journalist and the editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

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What they’re saying

“For a long time, there were a lot of anti-heroes. Just recently it felt like WWE hit this stride with so much youth in the audience that it felt like babyfaces came back to life. Jey Uso, for example, is somebody that the kids go crazy for. Sami Zayn is out there doing it. And for me to be able to be in that spot, I don't want to leave it. It's so much fun.”

— Cody Rhodes (Live with Kelly & Mark)

What’s next

Cody Rhodes will face Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu in a Triple Threat match on this Friday's SmackDown, with the winner earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber match.

The takeaway

Cody Rhodes' commitment to maintaining his status as the top babyface in WWE reflects the company's shift towards embracing genuine heroes, particularly among the younger audience. This decision could have significant implications for Rhodes' path to WrestleMania 42 and the overall direction of WWE's storytelling, as he continues to be a fan favorite and a strong merchandise seller.