Eric Bischoff has seen enough of Cody Rhodes in his current role as WWE’s top babyface champion.
During 83 Weeks, Conrad Thompson asked Bischoff whether Cody is better served as champion or chasing the title in 2026. The discussion came after Cody’s match with Gunther, where Cody retained despite Gunther having his foot under the ropes.
Conrad brought up the old wrestling argument that the money is often in the chase, with the babyface trying to win the championship instead of already holding it. Bischoff said he respects Cody and the Rhodes family, but he is ready for something different.
“I hate saying this because I really have so much respect for Cody and affection for the entire family, not just Cody. I’m over Cody as a babyface champion.”
Bischoff made it clear that he does not dislike Cody. His issue is that fans have seen this version of Cody for a long time, and he doesn’t have much interest in the next chapter if it is just more of the same.
“It’s not that I don’t like it. It’s just that I’ve kind of had my fill of it. There’s just not a lot of desire for me to see what the next iteration of Cody as a babyface is going to bring because we’ve been seeing it a lot for the last couple years.”
Bischoff said his preferred direction would be for WWE to take the title off Cody in a way that begins his move toward becoming a heel.
“I personally think that, for me, doesn’t mean I’m right for everybody else. For me, I’d get that belt off of him somehow, some way, that would begin his journey into healedom because I think there’s a lot of story, a lot of great work.”
Bischoff said Cody has the acting and performance skills to pull off a heel character in a way most wrestlers could not.
“Cody’s acting, performing ability, because he’s an actor. He’s an actor. He could bring that heel character to life in a way that not too many people could because not very many people have his acting ability.”
Bischoff added that the idea of heel Cody is what actually gets him interested in Cody’s next move.
“I mean, he’s really good and I want to see that. That gets me excited. Babyface Cody, sorry. Been there, done that a lot. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Conrad followed up by noting that Cody is still a major merchandise mover for WWE, while also pointing out that TKO’s business approach could factor into creative decisions. Still, Conrad agreed that many fans want to see something different from Cody, and Bischoff’s answer made it clear that a heel turn is the direction he wants.
Cody Rhodes has spent years becoming WWE’s ultimate good guy, but Bischoff believes that run has gone as far as it can in its current form. Now, he wants to see WWE take the risk and let Cody show a darker side.
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What do you think? Is it time for Cody Rhodes to turn heel, or should WWE keep him as the top babyface champion? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.