Cody Rhodes: Living the American Dream
Cody Rhodes recently made his New Japan debut at Wrestle Kingdom 11, and it was everything fans were expecting. The youngest son of The American Dream faced Juice Robinson, the former WWE NXT talent once known as CJ Parker.
Cody could very well have squashed Robinson, and made a huge statement in the process. But instead, the match was very competitive as both men were allowed to showcase their talents for the whole world to see.
That was exactly what Cody was looking for.
It seemed like a simple concept, but one that evidently escaped the hierarchy of WWE. Cody's former employer gave him opportunities at one point, and everything appeared fine to fans along the way. Cody's most recent incarnation as Stardust was bizarre at first, but it was a role he fully embraced and seemed to enjoy.
But it wasn't what he really wanted.
In the end, WWE made the mistake of not listening to the talent. Fans have seen it many times over the years, and Cody was just another example of it. He was the man that brought Stardust to life and made the gimmick work, but when he wanted to stop, he was told no.
Once again the disconnect between WWE and the workers that make it successful, became painfully obvious.
Cody is smart about the business and knew what was best for his character. Part of owning a role and fully living it is knowing when it's time to stop, which is where Cody was. But rather than reset and move him in a new direction, WWE chose to stop listening and accept his request to be released.
Of course all Cody wanted was to wrestle.
Though pro wrestling is not always about winning and losing, fans are smart enough to know that it does matter. The more a guy ends up on his back when the bell rings, the more his stock falls. How can anyone support a wrestler if he can't string together more than one win at a time?
Unlike other talents in WWE that may be holding on to promises of big things to come, Cody knew that he was on the road to nowhere. As a second generation star, Cody was wise to how things worked and had a greater aptitude for the business than others. He saw the writing on the wall, and knew it was time to go.
Ring of Honor and New Japan gave Cody what he wanted in the first place; a chance to lace up the boots and tell a story. Common sense and creative freedom had really not been part of the equation in WWE. Now Cody has ample amounts of both being given to him by two companies that just want him to wrestle.
He's in a much better place than he was before.
He's perhaps never looked as confident or as comfortable in the ring, and that's especially true of his match with Robinson. Cody was on his game in every way, and impressed on every level. He took his time and delivered a good match that will surely set the tone for his run in New Japan.
But he's only just getting started.
With questions surrounding Kenny Omega's possible departure from the Land of the Rising Sun, the door has opened for Cody to take the reins of The Bullet Club. It's a spot that many guys would surely love to have, as Bullet Club is the hottest faction in the industry today.
Cody was always portrayed as a follower in WWE, and now he has the chance to be the leader. For the first time in his career, Cody is in a prime spot to not only get over as a main event star, but to also be fully supported by the company he works for.
No one has worked harder to get it, and Cody definitely deserves it.
Cody took a career that had really never been given the proper attention, and he completely turned it around. He made his own way in a world that never allowed him to succeed. He didn't ask for help, he never wanted a handout, and he earned everything he has now. He knew what he wanted, so he went and got it.
Cody is living the American Dream, and it looks very good on him.
