Cody Rhodes Credits Nick Khan for WWE’s Growth Ahead of ESPN Launch

WWE’s blockbuster move to bring Premium Live Events to ESPN has divided fans over the steep price hike, but Cody Rhodes couldn’t hide his excitement about what the deal means for the company’s future.

While speaking to Sports Illustrated, Cody was asked about the new partnership, which will see WWE’s biggest shows air on ESPN platforms starting in 2025. For him, this is more than just a streaming deal — it’s the kind of exposure his family and other wrestling pioneers always dreamed of.

“I mean, it’s everything that — growing up as a legacy in the business, if you think about Bill Watts, the Jarretts, if you think about the Grahams, if you think about my family and everything that we’ve always tried to do in terms of building and providing more exposure to pro wrestling — this is everything they ever wanted. And I felt that way when I was on the Netflix red carpet, and I felt that way walking into that studio in Bristol. I’d never been to the ESPN studio. First time. I never walked into the big giant vault door for the studio — hallowed ground — being there on the SportsCenter stage. That, from an energy standpoint backstage… just today… it’s ESPN. That is so exciting for all of us.”

Cody said the deal is proof WWE is far from slowing down and credited the leadership of Nick Khan for keeping the company on an upward climb.

“Not only does it mean we’re in a healthy place that they want us, not only does it mean that WWE is continuing to be on the climb, it helps answer the question of when is the decline? And the answer currently is nowhere in sight. Every time there’s a peak in the business, there’s a drop, and we’ve just been on the climb ever since Nick Khan came on board. And he had held this meeting six months ago showing us data — here’s a graph, here’s a chart, here’s percentages of our ratings, our relevancy, our revenue — the big three R’s. For me, sitting there, a promoter’s son, and having had a dabble in my own attempt at being an executive as well… oh my gosh, I was ready to run through a brick wall. And to be on the SportsCenter stage and to have that moment, and then look at our business for what it is — it’s entertainment, but these are real athletes — and the sport has never been so prominent in the term sports entertainment. Pro wrestling, the way they look at it, that took years. Years of hard work of guys sacrificing. Hats off to the legends and the people that set us up to be in this space where we are right now. But I am — if you can’t tell — I am very excited about everything with ESPN. It’s a really great plan and a great future for the PLEs and us.”

While fans debate the $29.99-per-month price tag, Cody’s take makes it clear he’s looking at the big picture — a future where WWE has a bigger platform, more exposure, and the kind of mainstream reach the industry has always chased.