What would you do with Cody Rhodes?

[Maluco]

Was watching RAW with my wife just now, she is a casual viewer at best but she looked at Cody and said "what is he doing, he used to be good!"

She said she remembered Legacy and him as IC champ and that he always looked "good" whenever she saw him.

I loved Goldust but I just feel like he was a genius the way he played him. It wasn't about dressing up, it was the psychology and the fact that he was still threatening as Goldust. He was a big guy and he unsettled people with his behavior and became intriguing because of that. Cody is just a guy dressing up and talking about space. It has no darkness or edginess to it and it won't have in 2015. It is boring to be honest and does him no justice. Even my wife saw that he had something in his previous incarnations, and she barely pays attention.

With that being said, what would you do with Cody? I would use Goldusts impending retirement as an excuse. Have him say he used the character to force Goldust to leave, so he could have the spotlight again. Have him talk up his desire to be seen as the standout guy, not just in the Rhodes clan, but in WWE. To start, he wants HIS white IC belt back from Bryan.

Maybe even give him a few developmental guy to form his own version of legacy, one that highlights him. Charlotte would be a great start.

Thoughts? Keep Stardust or make a change? What change?

[#1-norm-fan]

I'd ride out Stardust for a bit. Cody Rhodes as Cody Rhodes is incredibly plain and boring. Everytime he's got a bit of a character though, whether it be Stardust or "disfigured" Cody, he fucking kills with it. They should give him a nice, serious push with the character.

[Shisen Kopf]

He should become Roadie Codes. He can wear denim.

[Bad News Gertner]

Guys like Rhodes would have thrived in the territory system where guys leave for a year or two, work somewhere else and come back. There's not much else to do with him.

He reminds me of a Jim Cornette quote "you can only repackage the British Bulldog so many tines".

[Heyman]

Keep him as he is now and hope for the best.

[Simple Fan]

Needs to drop the Stardust gimmick and start a tag team with Curtis Axel called the Perfect Dream.

[Shisen Kopf]

He should become Roadie Codes. He can wear denim.

When he's not being a roadie he can code. Wooooooo computers!

[Curtis]

"Secret" Cody Rhodes.


His gimmick now consists of hiding on the show, in the audience...under the ring (a foot peeking out), upside down in a trash can in the background of a promo. Each week fans can send where they saw Cody Rhodes to a number as a text message. They can call it, "Where's Cody?"

[Shisen Kopf]

Double threat Roadie Codes. Someone call the WWE. Awesome idea. THIS IS AWESOME!

[Shisen Kopf]

Cod Rod could be another idea. The ultimate fisherman.

[Theo Dious]

I'd ride out Stardust for a bit. Cody Rhodes as Cody Rhodes is incredibly plain and boring. Everytime he's got a bit of a character though, whether it be Stardust or "disfigured" Cody, he fucking kills with it. They should give him a nice, serious push with the character.

This.

CAWdy & Bobcore - boring.
Cody in Legacy - less boring, watchable, but not much shelf life.
Dashing Cody Rhodes with paper bags - quirky and eye-catching
"Disfigured" Cody with transparent face shield - Awesome
Regular Old Cody bringing back classic IC title - OK, went stale quick
Mustachioed Cody - Oddly watchable
Cody & Goldust - Aweome but Goldy was really pulling the weight personality-wise
Goldust & Stardust - PERFECTION
Stardust on his own - there's promise there and he shouldn't permanently drop the character idea. They just need to give him something to do. Now that Sandow is split from Miz, have Stardust start interrupting Sandow's matches with eerie Tron promos and have the two feud. Cody's best times as regular old Cody were against Sandow after the MitB doublecross. From there have him shift between IC and US title feuds. Hell Stardust vs Cena in a US title program could be pretty damn entertaining.

[Fignuts]

Keep Stardust but go back to his Fastlane attire. Differentiated him a bit from goldust, while still looking pretty freaky.

Needs to embrace the whole vicious, hot tempered side. The way he's acting all weird, and then at the drop of a hat, loses it and starts beating on a dude. More of that.

[Fignuts]

Way better than the bodysuit, imo

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/photo_large/public/photo/image/2015/02/FL15_Photo_77-3643809957_0.jpg

[Shisen Kopf]

Have him join a new stable with a new gimmick to revive the careers of some other rasslers that are doing nothing of note right now. The new stable will be known as The Bros. Featuring Bro-die Rhodes, Bro Dallas, and Bro Wyatt. They can do total bro stuff like go to spring break, play in a flag football league, go to the gym together and max out every time, fist pumping, backwards hats, BEER PONG and flip cup, and getting the divas to come to their parties and participating in wet t-shirt contests. Jazzy Foot will like this stable.

[Shisen Kopf]

Or....team Stardust up with Dolph Zigger to form the ultra space age team: Ziggy Stardust. Just need to get them a manager called Major Tom.

[Jazzy Foot]

I'd get Mark Henry to stick his big black cock up his anus and induct him into the Hall of Pain.

[Stickman]

Throw on some black tights with polka dots and continue his irrelevants.

[Rammsteinmad]

Posting this from the 100,001 Replies thread:

I really hope Cody gets a good main event run some day. He's had such a history in the WWE and has really developed so much, so naturally.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/RyuXenn/ElPapiChris%2008%20Countdown/CodyRhodes.jpg

http://whatculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/LEGACY-cody-rhodes-10478834-618-383-610x378.jpg

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oxr2eGdn4Kk/hqdefault.jpg

http://whatistheexcel.com/wooobooru/_images/033e82b48ce6aed9b5cb763c5aa6a9e2/9554%20-%20cody_rhodes%20mask%20vengeance%20wwe.png

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/66/fd/66fdd40457a0418a606c552fb5c468ec.png?itok=I7A8BrmG

http://www.wrestlingmedia.org/wv/02/35455/35455.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtypxZzUFcU/Um3GEgSjekI/AAAAAAAA0kw/bBIjsp9NfRM/s1600/hiaccrd.PNG

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141001164351/prowrestling/images/c/c1/Goldust_Stardust.png

One of the great things about Cody's history is how each change came about so fluidly and was so well written that it was just completely natural. He's managed to pull each persona off, and has been able to connect with the audience. He has a great look, is great in the ring and great on the mic. I really see no reason why he can't some day shed the Stardust persona and move on to better things:

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/032/9/1/cody_rhodes_whc_photomontage_by_cmpunkster-d5sec3m.png

[Rammsteinmad]

Of course, looking at that post of mine, that's completely irrelevant if Lesnar is still around.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm not sure what I would do with Cody Rhodes. There's plenty I'd do with his wife, however.</font>

[Ultra Mantis]

Give him his Dashing theme back. Maybe even give him his Dashing gimmick back. But with a moustache. Loved that shit.

[Rammsteinmad]

Way better than the bodysuit, imo

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/photo_large/public/photo/image/2015/02/FL15_Photo_77-3643809957_0.jpg

Looking at this image, if they needed somewhere to go with Cody, I'd love to see "Cody Rhodes" appear more and more as his makeup smudges away during the matches.

Starting off the matches he's full on Stardust, crazy, eccentric, "Cody" chant annoying hm etc, but as his makeup smudges away, and the crowds chanting "Cody" slowing starts to effect him, maybe show signs of confusion etc.

He's shown in the past with his masked character that he's had mental breakdown moments and this could easily be another phase of that.

Afterwards, he can go on to win the WWE title. Simple.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Remember when Legacy was feuding with John Cena and at the end of the episode there was a tease Cody would leave? The crowd was chanting Cody Cody Cody loud as fuck. On the replay of the episode WWE edited the chant to be Cena...Cena...Cena.

[Hanso Amore]

Posting this from the 100,001 Replies thread:

How sad is it that I could tell that was Christians Belt and arm.

[Rammsteinmad]

The blurred "Christian" on the belt didn't give it away.

[Rammsteinmad]

Although, to be fair, I didn't even notice the wrist tape/bands were different colours. :p

[Jordan]

They have tried everything to get him over. He is not a main event level guy, a lot of that has to do with his style and size. He should elect to ply his trade in other promotions like AAA, NJPW, Lucha Underground etc... and return to WWE as a veteran in 4/5 years.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

He deserves a job forever if he suggested to bring back the old IC title design.

[Emperor Smeat]

Keep Stardust but do it in the vein of a Dr Jekyll-Mr Hyde or what is done with Finn Balor's face paint status.

Cody returns back to normal but with a mix of characteristic from his past gimmicks while the Stardust persona is reserved for whenever he needs to embrace his inner Dust craziness to deal with a problem.

[ClockShot]

My dream would be to get Legacy back together.

However with Ted DiBiase Jr. out of the picture, they would need to find someone else to fill his spot. Whoever from
"x" generation is down on the farm and is ready for a call up would suffice. Maybe Bo Dallas if the inspiration gimmick fails?

Anyway, Orton realizes he can't take down Rollins and The Authority on his own. So he needs help. Cody Rhodes ends the StarDust gimmick and he comes back. Regular Cody Rhodes gimmick, but I think it would work. 3rd guy joins by whatever means. Hell, maybe get some sex appeal and get Flair's daughter in the mix. Orton has the firepower he needs. Legacy 2.0 is back and better than ever. Good old fashioned stable warfare commences.

And to boot, we get the Legacy theme back and we're all singing "IT'S A NEW DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!....." yet again.

[XL]

Either of the last 2 suggestions works for me for the immediate future.

Even go as far as to have Stardust on Raw and Cody on SmackDown, with Cody acting like he has no idea who Stardust is. Might be a little too comedic though.

Or throw him together with Axel as 2 next generation guys. If that works, add Dallas, Charlotte, and bring back Manu!!

[Ruien]

Keep the Stardust gimmick for a good amount of time. No need to already give him another change. Its enjoyable and gives the IC/US Titles a character in the division instead of just another wrestler (Dolph, Cena, Bryan). Stardust and Harper gives some needed life with their different gimmicks.

[RiX1024]

Stick with the Stardust gimmick and see how it goes, even an IC title reign would be good.

[Simple Fan]

My dream would be to get Legacy back together.

However with Ted DiBiase Jr. out of the picture, they would need to find someone else to fill his spot. Whoever from
"x" generation is down on the farm and is ready for a call up would suffice. Maybe Bo Dallas if the inspiration gimmick fails?

Anyway, Orton realizes he can't take down Rollins and The Authority on his own. So he needs help. Cody Rhodes ends the StarDust gimmick and he comes back. Regular Cody Rhodes gimmick, but I think it would work. 3rd guy joins by whatever means. Hell, maybe get some sex appeal and get Flair's daughter in the mix. Orton has the firepower he needs. Legacy 2.0 is back and better than ever. Good old fashioned stable warfare commences.

And to boot, we get the Legacy theme back and we're all singing "IT'S A NEW DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!....." yet again.


Orton, Cody, Axel, and Charlotte would make a good Legacy

[Wrestlemania]

Show him on the titan tron, in a building with writing that appears on the wall, turning into some crazy mental patent, then have a portal open on the wall, sucking everything into it, forcing it to suck Cody into the portal, as he's sucked into it, a new persona is created. he appears on the ramp as the old Cody we all know and love. but is more crazed like Mankind.

[road doggy dogg]

Cody McConaughey goin' through black holes

[Wrestlemania]

Cody McConaughey goin' through black holes

It scares me, to know that I have a TPWW stalker. :(.

[dingdongyo]

Keep Stardust and let him talk more. He will get it over.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cody should start a gimmick where he sells propane and propane accessories.</font>

[XL]

Do you think the audience is connecting with the Stardust gimmick?

I kinda think the feud with Goldust fell flat because people wanted Goldust vs. Cody, not Goldust vs. Stardust.

[Rammsteinmad]

Do you think the audience is connecting with the Stardust gimmick?

I kinda think the feud with Goldust fell flat because people wanted Goldust vs. Cody, not Goldust vs. Stardust.

Totally agree with this.

I think people connect with the gimmick in the sense that chanting "Cody" to enrage Stardust keeps things going, but it will surely die out soon.

To be fair, Cody has excelled with every gimmick he's had, so I'm sure this will naturally progress into something else soon enough.

[Maluco]

I just can't see the audeince connecting with this at all. I think it looks stupid and is too over the top and comedic to have him taken seriously. Audience knows it is just Cody "acting" like a weirdo too.

Really think they need to have him out of it. I think he could be a big player in the new IC title scene as a slightly unhinged, but obviously talented smoke and mirrors Cody Rhodes.

Give him the cool jacket he had with the masked gimmick and legacy music and just have him show his personality. I just think he has the tools and is being wasted.

[Dukelorange]

Multiple personalities might be the best bet for him. Stardust, Cody Rhodes, and The Disfigured Cody Rhodes. He has the acting chops to pull that off. Get Eden involved in the angle as well...

[Nicky Fives]

Legacy 2.0.... Cody, Charlotte, Curtis Axel...... could even throw Bo Dallas in there too if you wanted

[Ruien]

I just can't see the audeince connecting with this at all. I think it looks stupid and is too over the top and comedic to have him taken seriously. Audience knows it is just Cody "acting" like a weirdo too.

Really think they need to have him out of it. I think he could be a big player in the new IC title scene as a slightly unhinged, but obviously talented smoke and mirrors Cody Rhodes.

Give him the cool jacket he had with the masked gimmick and legacy music and just have him show his personality. I just think he has the tools and is being wasted.

People said Bray Wyatt could not connect also. Especially when they were chanting Husky Harris. He has the ability to get it over. It may take some time but it will be worth it.

[Dukelorange]

Legacy 2.0.... Cody, Charlotte, Curtis Axel...... could even throw Bo Dallas in there too if you wanted

This could work... But will "they" allow it?

[Innovator]

I say give him 3-5 months off, let him get fired on screen, and come back as a true common man, working hard with his hands

[Mr. Nerfect]

"Un-Dashing" Cody Rhodes is one of my favorite runs ever. That shit was amazing. Stardust isn't really working for me. I get what they are trying to do, but they're putting pineapple on a pizza that people didn't ask for.

Goldust vs. Stardust had a lot of problems because Stardust is so new. The emotion of the feud comes from brother vs. brother, but Cody's "weird" personality has no history that people can really connect to. If they wanted to do the first Goldust vs. Stardust match, then Goldust should have won (like he did), but then Cody should have come out and realized he was always better than this goofiness and beat his brother down.

I'd love for Cody Rhodes to beat Cena for the US Title and then bring back the classic WCW design for the title.

[Tom Guycott]

One of the biggest problems WWE suffers from in this department is lack of feuds. They seem to concentrate on maybe three or four primary ones, and occasionally may mention in passing if a couple of people "have history". People don't get shit to do on a regular basis. For example, what will happen when Rusev v. Cena dries up? Most likely, Cena's relevance will only be as much as the title run, and Rusev will be back to squashing jobbers or worse, being fed to the next "monster" and then becoming a directionless jobber himself.

They should have let the feud with Goldie at least have a proper blowoff, then transition them both to other opponents (if Dustin continues to be a regularly active wrestler) and have Cody, per given example elsewhere up this thread, feud again with Sandow after this Miz buisness finishes. Have Damien try to "help" Cody, and Stardust resents it. Wars have been waged over less fuel.

But honestly, give the man shit to DO! There is only so much "just going out and acting weird" can accomplish without direction, and not every feud has to involve a title at stake.

Just give him something to do.

[Mr. Nerfect]

A while ago I wanted to see a reunited Wyatt Family take out Goldust as a way to write him off television. Cody Rhodes would take umbrage with that, and want to go to war. Randy Orton would have also been feuding with Wyatt at the time, so Cody makes a "You don't like me, and I sure as hell hate your guts, but..." proposition to Orton. I guess you can still do the whole thing with just Cody and Wyatt feuding. Given how into their characters they are, I think you'd end up with a pretty great story.

[XL]

We'd get Wyatt vs. Stardust, though. No thanks.

[Rollermacka]

http://cupcakebastonettalonshauts.fr/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pr_Ron.jpg

He should grow back the mustache and do a new gimmick. It will be much more entertaining, people will rather enjoy it, and it will be good. Thank you

[Mr. Nerfect]

Can you imagine Stardust with a mustache?