Cody Rhodes Wants WWE to Stop Relying on Legends

Don’t expect Cody Rhodes to campaign for another legends night — he’s officially over nostalgia in wrestling.

Speaking on his What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, the WWE star made it crystal clear that while he respects the legends who paved the way, he’s not interested in seeing them keep showing up for in-ring returns or storyline spots. In his words, it’s time to move forward.

“I hate nostalgia, but I love my business. I already know what all these guys did for us. Thank you — they’ve set the table that I get to eat at. But man, they can’t keep coming back.”

Cody Rhodes made it clear that he’s not trying to be disrespectful — he simply believes the focus should be on the future of the business, not constantly leaning on the past.

“From a wrestling perspective, we have to move forward. I don’t want them coming back. I don’t mean any disrespect — I want them to come to a show, sit, and watch a show. Watch what they’ve done for the business.”

He also called out a culture of complacency that he feels is holding talent back, urging wrestlers to chase greatness rather than settle for “just good enough.”

“I don’t think enough people are in the pursuit of greatness, and they’re afraid to say it. Mediocrity loves company. When you find a circle of people that don’t grow as close to you — and don’t want you to go for it.”

Cody’s anti-nostalgia stance comes just months after a major moment that symbolized the change he’s talking about. On the July 12, 2025 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, GUNTHER defeated Goldberg in what was promoted as Goldberg’s final match, officially closing the book on one of wrestling’s most dominant legends. The match was widely seen as a passing of the torch from one era to the next—exactly the kind of progress Cody wants more of.

Love him or hate him, Cody is saying what a lot of people in the locker room won’t—and it sounds like he’s not afraid to be the one pushing the business forward, even if it means challenging sacred traditions.

Should WWE move away from relying on nostalgia acts — or is there still a place for legends on the stage they helped build? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear what you think.

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