Cody Rhodes Reveals Condition for Him to Change His WWE Theme Song

Cody Rhodes isn’t planning to change his theme song anytime soon — and he made it clear there’s only one thing that would force his hand.

“The American Nightmare” has used “Kingdom” by Downstait since leaving WWE in 2016, carrying it across the independent scene and bringing it right back with him when he returned to WWE in 2022. The song has become one of the most recognizable entrances in wrestling, and Rhodes says there’s a simple reason why it stuck.

While speaking on Matt & Shane’s Secret Podcast, Rhodes explained that wrestling themes don’t need to be perfect songs — they just need to be memorable enough for fans to latch onto.

“The trick with a wrestling song, all the greatest wrestling music, it doesn't need to be a good song. It needs to be a catchy song.”

Rhodes also explained why “Kingdom” has remained tied to him for so long. Unlike most WWE themes, the company doesn’t own the track because he took it with him after leaving WWE and used it while rebuilding his career on the independent scene. That history is a big reason why he sees the song as part of his identity today.

“I like ‘Kingdom,’ the song I come out to… and I actually think those guys are great. Downstait’s great. It's a great song. It's done amazing things. It's the only walkout song I think WWE has that WWE doesn't own… That's one of the things why WWE doesn't own it. I took it when I went and did Independence and basically started myself back over to eventually come back to WWE.”

Then Rhodes dropped the key detail — the one situation where fans might finally hear something different. He said the only way his theme would change is if his character direction flips completely.

“But I can say this — it can never change unless I was to go, you know, bad guy… then that song is out, I suppose.”

Rhodes made it clear that as things stand now, he doesn’t see himself separating from the theme that helped define his comeback run.

“But that's the other thing. I'm locked into it. We're married together, that song.”

For now, it sounds like “Kingdom” isn’t going anywhere — unless Cody Rhodes makes a major turn that changes everything about his character. If that ever happens, fans may hear a brand-new theme as the first sign that something big has shifted.

Do you think Cody Rhodes should ever change his theme song, or would switching it only make sense if he turns heel? Drop your thoughts below and let us know what you think.

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