Cody Rhodes has been on an incredible run in WWE, solidifying his status as one of the top stars in the industry. However, his near-unblemished streak—marked by almost a year without suffering a clean pinfall loss—has sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Is this level of protection necessary for Cody’s rise, or is it hindering the storytelling potential of WWE programming? Let’s break it down.
### **The Rise of Cody Rhodes: A New Era Begins**
Since returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes has been nothing short of phenomenal. His emotional performances, compelling promos, and in-ring prowess have made him a fan favorite once again. With Triple H now at the helm of creative decisions following Vince McMahon’s departure, Cody’s trajectory has reached new heights.
Under Triple H’s leadership, Cody has been positioned as a cornerstone of the company—a modern-day legend in the making. He’s headlined premium live events, delivered critically acclaimed matches, and consistently portrayed himself as a resilient underdog who refuses to back down, no matter the odds.
But there’s one aspect of his character that has raised eyebrows: his lack of clean losses.
### **The Stats Speak for Themselves: Nearly a Year Without a Clean Pin**
As of late 2023, Cody Rhodes hasn’t suffered a single clean pinfall or submission loss in nearly a year. This streak is remarkable, especially in an era where wrestlers frequently trade wins and losses to build credibility and advance storylines. Instead, Cody’s rare defeats have come via disqualification, count-out, or interference—methods that don’t tarnish his undefeated record in traditional match outcomes.
While this approach keeps Cody looking strong, some critics argue that it undermines the authenticity of WWE’s product. After all, even the greatest champions in wrestling history—like John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock—experienced clean losses during their primes to enhance the legitimacy of their rivals.
### **Triple H’s Vision: Protecting Cody for the Future?**
There’s little doubt that Triple H sees Cody Rhodes as a long-term investment for WWE. As someone who understands the importance of building enduring superstars, Triple H may be intentionally shielding Cody from clean losses to preserve his aura of invincibility.
This strategy makes sense when you consider Cody’s role in WWE’s current landscape. He’s being groomed as a top babyface (fan favorite) who can carry the company through its next generation. Allowing him to lose cleanly could diminish his momentum and weaken his position as a credible main eventer.
However, overprotecting a star comes with risks. Fans are savvy—they know when a wrestler is being booked too strongly without logical consequences. If Cody continues to avoid clean losses indefinitely, it might lead to audience fatigue or resentment toward his character.
### **Fan Reactions: Praise vs. Criticism**
Unsurprisingly, opinions about Cody’s booking are divided. Here’s what fans are saying:
– **Supporters:**
– “Cody deserves every bit of this push. He’s putting on clinic after clinic in the ring and carrying the company.”
– “Triple H knows what he’s doing. Cody is becoming the face of WWE, and protecting him ensures he stays relevant for years to come.”
– **Critics:**
– “It’s getting ridiculous. How can anyone beat him if he never takes a clean loss? It makes other wrestlers look weak.”
– “Wrestling thrives on ups and downs. If Cody doesn’t lose cleanly soon, people will stop caring.”
Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have become battlegrounds for these opposing viewpoints, with hashtags like #CodyRhodes and #WWECreative trending regularly.
### **Impact on Storytelling: Is It Helping or Hurting?**
One of the core principles of professional wrestling is believability. For a storyline to resonate, fans need to buy into the stakes. When a wrestler avoids clean losses for an extended period, it can create a disconnect between the audience and the narrative.
For example:
– If Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, or Drew McIntyre can’t pin Cody cleanly despite their best efforts, does it make them less formidable?
– Conversely, if Cody finally suffers a clean loss, will it feel earned given his recent dominance?
These questions highlight the delicate balance WWE must strike. While protecting Cody strengthens his image, it also risks alienating viewers who crave realistic competition.
### **What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?**
With Survivor Series and Royal Rumble on the horizon, speculation is rampant about whether Cody will finally take a clean loss—or continue his unbeaten streak well into 2024. Some possibilities include:
1. **A High-Stakes Loss:** Cody could drop a major title or fall victim to a surprise upset, resetting his momentum while still maintaining his elite status.
2. **An Epic Feud:** Pairing Cody against another protected star (like Roman Reigns or Gunther) could result in a series of hard-fought battles, culminating in a decisive victory for one side.
3. **Continued Dominance:** If Triple H remains committed to his vision, Cody might go even longer without a clean loss, further cement9ing his legacy as an untouchable force.
Cody Rhodes’ dominance is undeniable, and his resurgence has reinvigorated WWE programming. However, the question remains: is Triple H giving him _too much_ protection? While shielding Cody from clean losses helps elevate his status, it also poses challenges for long-term storytelling.