Sports · Combat Sports · 16 hrs ago
Cody Rhodes says he is open to a WWE heel turn
Cody Rhodes says he is open to turning heel in WWE if the change is right for the company.
In wrestling, a “heel” is a character who acts as the bad guy, while a “babyface” is presented as the good guy.
Rhodes has been one of WWE’s biggest babyfaces since returning, and his rise was tied to his popularity and his goal of finishing his story.
He says some fans may already see him as a heel, even when others do not.
He pointed to saying he enjoyed kicking Randy Orton during a match: the crowd cheered, though he expected boos.
Rhodes discussed a possible alliance with Paul Heyman, whose history with Rhodes’ father, Dusty, gives them a close connection.
WWE’s creative team will decide whether a turn happens; Rhodes said it may look different from what fans expect, but gave no timeline.
Cody Rhodes said he is open to turning heel in WWE if that is what is best for the company.
He said fans may already see him as a heel, even as others view him differently.
Rhodes said a heel version of his character might differ from what fans expect and could change his current presentation.
He discussed the possibility of joining forces with Paul Heyman, citing Heyman’s connection with his father, Dusty Rhodes.
Rhodes made the comments during an appearance on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike.
- Who
- Cody Rhodes, a WWE wrestler.
- What
- He said he is open to a heel turn if it is best for WWE.
- When
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026, according to the Wrestling Observer article.
- Where
- On ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike.
- Why
- Rhodes said he is willing to do what is best for WWE and that fans do not all view him the same way.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rhodes appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike and discussed a possible heel turn.
An episode of Rhodes’ podcast featuring Paul Heyman is scheduled to premiere.
The John Cena Classic is scheduled to take place at ESPN’s complex at Disney World in Orlando and air live on Netflix as an episode of Raw.
- Wrestler
- Cody Rhodes
- WWE option
- Rhodes said he is open to turning heel if it is best for WWE.
- Interview
- ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike
- Potential pairing
- Paul Heyman
- Upcoming event
- John Cena Classic, December 14, in Orlando, Florida
3 sources
What people are saying
I’m really open. That’s the biggest thing that I tell people all the time with, you’re going to make that shift and you’re going to go heel or you stay babyface, whatever it is, whatever is best for WWE
But we are starting to get into an area where if you think I’m a heel, then I’m already a heel.
I’m very open to it
I think everyone in creative always — Triple H is the one guiding the ship here. I think when something like that, when it’s time, we won’t miss that opportunity. But if it’s never time, I’m sorry. I don’t know.
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