“Boring to Adults”: Cody Rhodes’ Fan Criticism of WWE Title Reign Justified Ahead of Backlash by His Former Colleague

While Cody Rhodes fans celebrate their hero’s victory, some parts of the WWE Universe are starting to regret cheering for him. One of the major criticisms of The American Nightmare’s run as WWE Universal Champion is its bland nature. While it’s a far cry from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s promos, fans expected more from the leader of the new era of the WWE.

However, one former WWE star came forward with an explanation for why it is the way it is.

Ryback claims playing the cooperate babyface doesn’t make Cody Rhodes interesting for adults

When explaining why certain things are the way they are, WWE fans rarely listen to Ryback. The Big Guy is best known for his feud with CM Punk in the WWE and Vince McMahon once the promotion released him. However, he occasionally does spill light on topics that casual wrestling fans aren’t aware of. Taking to his YouTube channel Ryback TV, he talked about why the WWE Universal champion’s run might not hit the mark for adults. He explained how Rhodes is the cookie-cutter, cooperative babyface. What this means for the non-wrestling fans is that Rhodes is molded into the babyface that everyone accepts. He said, “So there’s like, in a way, you could become boring to adults because… that’s not entirely on him either. He is playing a role.” Another example is John Cena.

During his run as Super Cena, he was the top babyface in the company. While adults didn’t like it, he was marketed towards the younger demographic. Even Rhodes claimed he felt guilt for using adult-orientated words because a majority of his fans were young kinds.

Ryback was trying to explain that while pandering to one demographic, you shouldn’t alienate the other. He says fans want more of a Stone Cold Steve Austin-type babyface. Furthermore, even another WWE legend believes the company must bide its time with The American Nightmare.

Eric Bischoff claims a slow build is the best for Cody Rhodes

While fans crave for Cody Rhodes to face off against someone who will emulate his feud with The Final Boss, former WCW president Bischoff had other ideas. On his 83 Weeks podcast, he said, “The approach to television has changed a lot. Storytelling, character development are obviously much more important in WWE perhaps than they have been in a long time.”

While fans claim this run of Rhodes as the champion is lackluster, it could be building up to something. In fact, it hasn’t even been a month since the former AEW star clinched the championship at WrestleMania 40. A champion’s run can be analyzed through the storylines and rivalries it manifests and Rhodes’ stint has only just started. Fans speculate that Dwayne Johnson will be returning around SummerSlam. While Rhodes does have a title defense against AJ Styles at Backlash France on May 4, it is clear that fans are waiting for SummerSlam. What do you think about Ryback’s explanation? Tell us in the comments.