Cody Rhodes stirred up considerable attention during an Instagram Live session, where he responded to a fan’s question with some intriguing remarks about John Cena. While Cody’s words carried an air of respect, they also included subtle digs that drew a sharp comparison between his current WWE run and Cena’s iconic but polarizing tenure as the company’s top babyface. The moment quickly became a hot topic among fans, sparking debates about their legacies, the evolving nature of WWE’s storytelling, and the potential for Cody to surpass Cena’s monumental career achievements.
Cody’s exact words were: “Cena was a great babyface, but with all due respect, he got boo’d by the adults unlike the work the WWE machine has put into my current WWE run. But Cena is a legend, and I hope I surpass his legacy one day.” Though brief, this statement managed to pack in a lot of context, comparisons, and aspirations, offering insight into how Cody views his own rise in WWE.
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Breaking Down Cody’s Comments
Let’s dissect Cody’s remarks step by step, starting with his acknowledgment of Cena’s status. Calling Cena a “great babyface” and a “legend” was a clear nod to his undeniable influence on WWE. Cena carried the company on his shoulders for over a decade, becoming the face of a generation and achieving accolades that few wrestlers can match. However, Cody’s next statement—the mention of Cena being “boo’d by the adults”—struck a nerve with fans and critics alike.
Cena’s time as the ultimate babyface in WWE was famously met with divided reactions. Kids and families adored him, cheering his never-say-die attitude and clean-cut image. But adult fans, particularly those in major wrestling markets like New York and Chicago, were often vocal in their rejection of Cena’s character. The chants of “Let’s go Cena!” were nearly always met with thunderous “Cena sucks!” replies, a phenomenon that persisted for years and became a defining feature of his era.
Cody, on the other hand, framed his current run as a universal success, one bolstered by the “work the WWE machine” has put into him. Here, Cody is acknowledging the meticulous storytelling and presentation that have characterized his journey since his return to WWE in 2022. Whether it’s his emotional quest to win the WWE Championship in honor of his late father, Dusty Rhodes, or his underdog perseverance against top-tier opponents, Cody’s run has resonated deeply with fans of all demographics. Unlike Cena’s polarizing reception, Cody has largely been met with widespread support—a fact he subtly emphasized in his comments.
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The Role of WWE’s Storytelling
The comparison between Cena’s reception and Cody’s current success also sheds light on how WWE has evolved in its approach to crafting babyface characters. During Cena’s prime, WWE often leaned heavily into traditional, almost cartoonish hero-villain dynamics, portraying Cena as an infallible superhero who overcame the odds no matter what. While this worked for a younger audience, it alienated older fans who craved more complexity and relatability in their protagonists.
Cody, by contrast, has been presented as a deeply human character, one whose motivations are rooted in personal history and emotion. His storyline of finishing the “story” his father started is not just compelling—it’s relatable. Everyone can identify with the desire to honor family legacies, achieve redemption, and overcome adversity. This emotional depth, combined with Cody’s undeniable in-ring skills, has allowed him to connect with fans on a level that Cena struggled to reach during his early years.
The mention of the “WWE machine” in Cody’s comments also highlights the company’s role in shaping his success. WWE has clearly learned from past missteps and adjusted its approach to building top stars. Cody’s rise has been marked by organic storytelling, emotional beats, and carefully curated rivalries. WWE has also done a better job of leaning into crowd reactions, allowing Cody’s popularity to grow naturally rather than forcing a narrative that doesn’t resonate with the audience.
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Aspirations to Surpass Cena
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising part of Cody’s statement was his aspiration to surpass Cena’s legacy. While it might seem like an audacious claim, Cody’s confidence is not unfounded. Cena’s legacy is immense—16 World Championship reigns, countless WrestleMania main events, and an enduring status as one of WWE’s biggest crossover stars. However, Cody’s career trajectory has been unique, and his journey has given him a perspective and drive that could very well set him on a path to surpassing even Cena’s storied accomplishments.
Unlike Cena, who rose to stardom primarily within the WWE system, Cody’s journey has been one of reinvention and resilience. After struggling to find success during his first WWE run, Cody left the company in 2016 to prove himself on the independent scene. His work in promotions like Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and AEW not only elevated his reputation but also showcased his ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive outside WWE’s spotlight. His return to WWE in 2022 was celebrated as a monumental moment, marking the culmination of years of hard work and a testament to his star power.
For Cody, surpassing Cena’s legacy isn’t just about titles and accolades—it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling world. Cena’s career has transitioned to Hollywood, leaving Cody in a prime position to establish himself as the face of WWE for years to come. If Cody can maintain his current momentum and deliver on his promise to “finish the story” by winning the WWE Championship, he could very well cement his place as one of the greatest of all time.
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Fan Reactions to Cody’s Comments
As expected, Cody’s comments have sparked mixed reactions from the WWE Universe. Cena loyalists were quick to defend their hero, emphasizing his resilience in the face of divisive crowd reactions and pointing to his longevity, dedication, and unmatched list of accomplishments. For them, Cena’s ability to thrive despite the boos is a testament to his greatness, not a flaw in his legacy.
On the other hand, Cody’s supporters have praised his honesty and ambition. They see his comments as a reflection of his drive to achieve greatness and his recognition of how far he’s come. Many fans agree that Cody’s current run has been masterfully handled by WWE, with some even suggesting that he’s on track to become the definitive babyface of this generation.
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What’s Next for Cody and Cena?
Cody’s remarks could have significant implications for future WWE storylines. Cena has made sporadic returns to WWE in recent years, often for marquee matches that draw massive attention. If Cody continues to rise as WWE’s top babyface, a match between the two could be inevitable. The narrative practically writes itself: the established legend versus the rising star who aims to surpass him. Such a match would not only be a box-office hit but also a generational clash that could further elevate Cody’s status.
Beyond potential storylines, Cody’s comments underscore the ongoing evolution of WWE’s approach to storytelling and character development. If WWE continues to handle Cody’s journey with the same care and attention to detail, he could very well achieve his goal of leaving a legacy that surpasses even that of John Cena.
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Conclusion
Cody Rhodes’ comments about John Cena during his Instagram Live session offer a fascinating glimpse into his mindset and ambitions as a WWE superstar. While he paid respect to Cena’s legendary career, Cody didn’t shy away from pointing out the differences between their respective runs, emphasizing the more universal support he’s received compared to Cena’s polarizing reactions. His aspiration to surpass Cena’s legacy reflects his confidence, determination, and belief in his own potential.
As Cody continues to write his story in WWE, one thing is certain: his journey will remain a compelling narrative that keeps fans invested, sparking debates and comparisons along the way. Whether he ultimately achieves his goal of surpassing Cena’s legacy remains to be seen, but the ambition itself is a testament to Cody’s drive to be remembered as one of WWE’s all-time greats.