Cody Rhodes: WWE’s Top Star Since the Attitude Era, Says Dave Meltzer

Since winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Cody Rhodes has become WWE’s top star, defending his title successfully against AJ Styles at Backlash and Logan Paul at King and Queen of the Ring. His rise to the top has led to comparisons with past WWE legends, raising questions about how his star power compares to previous top talents in WWE history.

Dave Meltzer, a prominent wrestling journalist, highlighted that Rhodes’ drawing power surpassed that of John Cena during Cena’s peak years in the mid-2000s to early 2010s.

This suggests that Rhodes is the most successful top star WWE has seen since the Attitude Era, a period dominated by icons like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Meltzer’s analysis positions Rhodes as a significant figure in WWE’s modern era, potentially even more influential than Cena.

Debates may continue regarding whether Rhodes eclipses Cena in star power, but Rhodes’ impact on box office numbers in 2024 is undeniable. WrestleMania 40, where Rhodes headlined both nights, achieved the highest gate in the event’s history.

This momentum carried into Backlash, where the Rhodes vs. Styles match set records for WWE’s biggest gate for an event held in France, showcasing Rhodes’ ability to draw large crowds and generate significant revenue.

Looking ahead, Rhodes aims to maintain his momentum at WWE Clash at the Castle, with a probable rematch against AJ Styles.

This upcoming event follows a dramatic encounter on “SmackDown,” where Styles lured Rhodes into a trap with a fake retirement speech before attacking him. This storyline development adds further intrigue to their rivalry and sets the stage for another high-stakes confrontation.