WWE Champion Cody Rhodes On Wrestler Physique: ‘You Can Body Shame Me All You Want’

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to clash with WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER in a high-stakes showdown for the men’s Crown Jewel Championship this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Rhodes’ journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary, evolving from his much-criticized Stardust persona in 2014 to his triumphant return as the “American Nightmare” in 2022. Speaking on the Flagrant podcast, Rhodes shared insights into what distinguishes his current character from his earlier WWE run.

“Sometimes, it’s as simple as physicality,” Rhodes explained. “This might sound silly, but this is a vanity business. If you’re aiming to rise, you need to be in the best shape of your career.”

Rhodes cited GUNTHER as an example of physical transformation in professional wrestling. “GUNTHER, back in his independent wrestling days … he didn’t have much muscle definition. He was this big, hefty, tree-chopping, killer guy,” Rhodes said. “Now, look at him. He’s in the best shape of his life. He looks incredible, and there’s this strange online crowd that doesn’t realize how critical that is.”

He emphasized the importance of physical appearance in the industry. “We wrestle with our shirts off,” Rhodes noted. “You’re standing next to some of the best athletes in the world. Fans might say, ‘You can’t body shame wrestlers,’ but let’s be real—you’re paying hundreds of dollars to watch us half-naked. Feel free to body shame me all you want.”

Reflecting on his early WWE career, Rhodes admitted that his lack of physical preparation held him back. “I wasn’t in great shape, and I filled the role of Dustin’s partner, which worked at the time,” he shared. “But I should have focused on being in the best shape of my life, cutting the best promos, and, most importantly, standing up for myself in meaningful ways.”

Rhodes revealed that he often avoided challenging creative decisions, which eventually led to pent-up frustration. “I should have fought the little battles,” he admitted. “Even if the answer was, ‘No, you’re teaming with your brother,’ I would’ve grown if I pushed back. Instead, I let it all build until I asked for my release. Looking back, a lot of that was on me.”

Since his return to WWE, Rhodes has committed to fitness and self-improvement, which he says reflects the company’s changing locker room culture. “It might look toxic from the outside, but among the talent, it’s different now,” Rhodes explained. “Everyone’s asking, ‘Who’s your trainer?’ or ‘What’s your diet?’ There’s this health-conscious WWE that I love. We’re all striving to look and perform at our best.”

This cultural evolution, combined with Rhodes’ personal growth, has propelled him to the top of WWE. Now, he’s set to test his mettle against GUNTHER in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Crown Jewel.