The "American Nightmare," Cody Rhodes, has all the makings to be a generational heel his nickname even notably points toward this but, so far, WWE has adamantly positioned him as a babyface. Calls for Rhodes to turn heel were especially strong in his AEW tenure, and it seems like veterans like Rikishi still want to see the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion become a villain.
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"To be a babyface and to be a babyface champion of the company? That's a lot of pressure," Rikishi admitted during an episode of his "Off The Top" podcast, further noting how babyface champions need to remain in the spotlight positively and that it includes a lot of responsibility. "Cody's a great worker, but for me? I just feel like he could be a better heel."
Rikishi noted how Rhodes has a suave look and his suits remind him of the "Million Dollar Man," Ted DiBiase, and that the champion could be a "heat seeker-type" of heel. "For me, it's so easy to hate him," Rikishi interestingly opined, despite praising Rhodes' in-ring ability. On the topic of being an effective heel, Rikishi explained that a heel needs to be able to control emotional people and manipulate their reactions. "I don't think he's comfortable being a babyface."
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Rhodes interestingly addressed the calls for him to turn heel not too long ago, recognizing how many people don't believe that he's a babyface and instead focus on the angles that could possibly follow him turning heel, however Rhodes suggested that he's more concerned about breaking the spirits of his young fans.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "Off The Top" and provide a h/t to WrestlingInc. for the transcription.
