Cody Rhodes isn’t planning to walk away from WWE anytime soon, but he already knows what will finally make him call it quits. The American Nightmare says he’ll keep wrestling until someone comes along who is ready to take his spot, and that’s when he’ll know it’s time to step aside.
During a November 11 interview with Adam Glyn, Rhodes was asked how much longer he could continue wrestling at his current pace. Between WWE’s demanding schedule, the physical punishment and getting older, Glyn wanted to know how much Rhodes still had left in the tank. Rhodes made it clear that he still feels great physically, although staying ready for matches requires more work these days.
“Oh, I’m, I feel really good athletically in terms of. There’s a lot more you need to do day to day on these shows to be ready. And when you’re wrestling somebody like a Randy orton who’s almost 300 pounds, yeah, you’re picking a lot up. But I could go until the wheels fall off. I probably intend to go until the wheels fall off.”
Rhodes also pointed to WWE’s current success and its television deals with ESPN and Netflix as reasons why he doesn’t want to leave the business right now.
“WWE’s, you know, the fact that we’re on ESPN and we’re on Netfl, the business has never been hotter. You don’t want to get out right now.”
That’s when Rhodes explained what would actually convince him to retire. Instead of giving a specific age or date, he said he’s waiting for somebody who is ready to replace him.
“Yeah, I’ll get out when that guy finally shows up, who’s ready to kick me out. And when he shows up, that’s when it’s time.”
Those comments are interesting considering Rhodes previously said he could have another six or seven years left in WWE. He also confirmed that he recently signed a new WWE contract and plans to finish his wrestling career with the company. For now, Rhodes isn’t going anywhere. He still believes he can compete at the highest level, and it sounds like the next generation will have to prove they’re ready to take his place before he’s willing to give it up.
Who do you think will eventually replace Cody Rhodes as one of WWE’s biggest stars, and which wrestler has what it takes to push him toward retirement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
