Cody Rhodes on Indies, Not Using the Rhodes Name, Dusty, More

Cody Rhodes recently had an interview with Sports Illustrated discussing several topics including his current career in the indies, WWE not allowing him to use the “Rhodes” name, his late father, and more.

When asked about his current career in the indies, Cody stated he liked touring around the world and working for a lot of companies since leaving the WWE. He hinted at being close to deciding which company he wants to make as the new permanent home for his career.

“I’m about to make a decision. It’s been really fun to cross all the streams, but at this point I do need to find a new home. That is going to limit all the distance I cover, which includes the work I’ve done with companies like Limitless, Defy, and All Pro Wrestling – there is even a company in Kolkoska, Michigan where I’m wrestling that is called ‘Mr. Chainsaw’. If you see my name on a card and you’re a fan, come on out. I’m not sure how much longer it will be until I’m no longer able to roam around.”

When talking about his late father, Cody revealed he got his start in the industry by being a ref for promotions Dusty Rhodes worked in since Dusty didn’t want him to be a wrestler at an early age. Dusty’s way of ribbing involved persuading promoters to only let him ref Abdullah the Butcher and hardcore matches since those terrified him the most at the time. Cody stated while his father was great with managerial work, he doesn’t see himself following in the same footsteps due to him feeling he lacks the same persuasion and skills his father had.

Later in the interview, Cody revealed he’s no longer upset at the WWE for not being allowed to use the “Rhodes” name in the indies and instead saw it as a way to help grow the “Cody” brand for his career. He did tease at having plans to eventually work on a deal with the WWE to get the “Rhodes” name back or at least rights to use it.

“I’ll tell you this, and I’ve not told anyone this, but I don’t mind that WWE took away my last name. Deep down, in my bones, I definitely want it back – and I have plans to get it back – but there is something to being Cody. The longer I don’t have a last name, the more I’m OK with it. That’s not to say WWE is holding it ransom. It’s literally an intellectual property law that easily can be remedied, but there is something about being Cody that I don’t mind. There is something to not always reminding people of a show they’ve already seen, but instead embracing the one right in front of him. I am Cody, and I can promise you that the future is going to be even better than the past.”

Other highlights from the interview including Cody talking about his work with Bullet Club in Japan, ROH being one of his favorite places to work for in the indies, and being long time friends with Luke Gallows.