Why Is Cody Rhodes Called ‘The American Nightmare’? Hidden Meaning Uncovered

Cody Rhodes made his much-anticipated return to WWE after six long years at WrestleMania 38 as a surprise entrant. A noticeable change during his return was his gimmick and persona. When he left the WWE in 2015, he left with the gimmick of Stardust.

His return was with a new entrance theme, and a new gimmick called ‘The American Nightmare’, made popular during his time away from WWE.. But why is Cody Rhodes called The American Nightmare? Let us discover the history behind his little-known secret.

How did Cody Rhodes become The American Nightmare?

Cody Rhodes was unsatisfied with his gimmick of Stardust, so much so that he returned only on the condition that not appear as Stardust. But his new gimmick was so over with the crowd that it has got the fans grove to his entrance theme.

Rhodes came with a new gimmick during his run in the independent circuit and NJPW wrestling and later got it over in AEW. Initially, he started as a heel and hence took the name The American Nightmare. However, the idea for the new persona was inspired by his late father Dusty Rhodes.

Dusty Rhodes’ gimmick was based on The American Dream and his journey from rags to riches while Cody’s journey was from riches to riches, like a bratty kid. In an interview in ‘Ask Me Anything’ for Bleacher Report, Cody said, “Dusty was rags to riches and I was riches to riches, bratty little kid so the American Nightmare fits me well.”

Read more: “I’m Wobbling Around”: Cody Rhodes Opens Up on His Second Major Disappointment of 2023

Cody further said, “I spent my WWE career trying to do everything different from Dusty but then at a certain point you’re allowed a little grace. When I left in 2016 and went to New Japan it was Tiger Hattori and Gato who liked the idea because it was easy for the fans to follow because it was like ‘The American Dream’.”

Cody Rhodes brings back The American Dream to WWE

Cody carried on the gimmick further to other promotions including AEW and then WWE. It includes his persona, wrestling gear, and his entrance theme called ‘The Kingdom’. It helped fans follow him to WWE where fans sang along on his theme. But as Eric Bischoff proclaimed, the new Cody Rhodes was not just him alone. 

Cody Rhodes’s new gimmick was so refreshing that he soon ended up as one of the biggest merchandise sellers at WWE. He credits it to his father and has stated that he was inspired by his father’s moniker. Following his departure from WWE, he embraced the persona that led to Cody’s stardom.

What do you think about Cody Rhodes’ new gimmick?

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