Cody Rhodes is already thinking about how his current championship run could define the next chapter of his career — and it may involve embracing a nickname that wasn’t originally meant as praise.
While speaking on Complex’s Graps the Podcast on March 11, 2026, the Undisputed WWE Champion opened up about how he views his latest title reign and the identity he hopes to build during it. Rhodes admitted that even with years of experience in professional wrestling, he still feels like he’s searching for the version of himself that fully defines who he is as a champion.
“Even at my experience level in pro wrestling, I still haven’t fully found who I am, and I would like this to be the reign that defines who I am.”
During the conversation, Rhodes explained that he recently heard someone refer to him as a “golden boy,” apparently as a criticism. Instead of taking it negatively, he revealed that he actually liked the label. Rhodes said the comment immediately made him think about leaning into that identity as part of his current title run.
“I heard a term, that was said in a condescending fashion, but I didn’t take it that way, I actually blushed. I heard someone say ‘golden boy’, and I loved it. I don’t know if I was supposed to love it, especially with how they were saying it. But I thought, ‘okay, maybe I’ll lean into that’, and maybe that’s the identity of this reign.”
The champion also spoke about the level of work he’s putting in right now and suggested he feels like he’s outpacing much of the competition. Because of that confidence, Rhodes said he’s open to embracing the “golden boy” moniker and seeing how it shapes his presentation moving forward.
“I’m certainly out there in terms of output, and hopefully this is the one time I say it otherwise it becomes self obsessed, but I’m outrunning everybody on the treadmill right now, even the guy I consider my largest competition. If that’s gonna be the case, I’ll take this golden boy moniker and see where it goes.”
He even hinted that the concept could influence how he presents himself on WWE’s biggest stage. Rhodes wrapped up by explaining that every championship run brings a different version of a performer, and he hopes this one finally gives him the defining identity he’s been searching for.
“I might even dial up my WrestleMania gear to lean into it further. I know that’s a bit vague but I’d like this reign to give me an identity that perhaps I’ve been seeking, because every reign is different.”
Rhodes recently defeated Drew McIntyre on SmackDown to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship and is now scheduled to defend the title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.
If Rhodes really does lean into the “golden boy” identity, it could show a subtle shift in how he presents himself heading into one of the biggest matches of his career. With WrestleMania around the corner and the limelight on him, the next chapter of his title reign could end up defining the legacy he’s been chasing since returning to WWE.
Do you think Cody Rhodes embracing a “golden boy” identity would work for his current title run, or should he stick with his current character? Share your thoughts and leave your feedback below.
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