Cody Rhodes' Future as WWE's Top Guy is on the Line at WrestleMania 42

As Cody Rhodes prepares for his fifth WrestleMania main event appearance, unavoidable questions about his time on top and his legacy bubble to the surface.

It would be an understatement to say that spectacular highs and crushing lows have marked the prodigal son's return to WWE. The second-generation star achieved his dream of attaining the company's top prize and more accolades than most accrue in a lifetime.

It wasn't easy, but the two-time Royal Rumble winner dethroned the most dominant champion of the modern era. In the process, he became the face of the most recognizable brand in professional wrestling during its hottest period in decades.

His journey to go from undesirable to undeniable has put him in rarified air. So much so that you would think there's nothing else to prove, but this is still a legacy game for him and his upcoming opponent.

While his mentor, Randy Orton, pursues his 15th world title win, Rhodes seeks to live up to his image and the expectation placed on him. The American Nightmare hopes to confirm that his time as a top guy was not for naught.

The Stakes Are High

The stakes are high for the 40-year-old heading into WrestleMania 42. Yes, Orton is the most dangerous foe he will face at the event, but it's more than that.

Rhodes reached the pinnacle of success in pro wrestling, but his battle to remain on top has taken its toll. Friends have become enemies, and some fans have grown fickle in an industry that constantly asks, "What have you done for me lately?"

The reigning Undisputed WWE Champion used to attack the press run with such enthusiasm. Recently, he has appeared exhausted and jaded by the barrage of celebrity interlopers like Travis Scott or Pat McAfee who hope to make a moment at his expense.

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There is no time to rest when the eyes of the industry are on you, though. Last year, he had to save wrestling from his idol, and now he has to face someone who believed in him when no one else did.

The Viper may be his last personal obstacle to greatness, but he's far from his only competition. The landscape he re-entered in 2022 is changing around him under TKO's watch.

It won't get any easier now that Roman Reigns seeks to reclaim his spot at the top of the company. Even more, a crop of new talent led by standouts like Oba Femi is coming to topple the stars of the last generation.

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What's On The Other Side?

Most of us thought there was a chance Rhodes could end this chapter of his career and turn heel. That seems a lot more far-fetched now, but this is still a substantial litmus test for him as a top guy.

Maybe the story isn't about whether he will finally break bad, but if he can withstand all the scrutiny and remain a fan favorite. He's not nearly as hot as he was in 2024, but he's still undeniably popular.

Reigns and John Cena had to trudge forward in the face of uncertainty, and they came out the other side better because of it. That's the mark of greatness. If Rhodes can adapt and find a new way to connect with his audience, it will help to cement his legacy.

He has had an incredible 4-year run, but he has to deal with some frustrating creative decisions. Many of the greats had similar struggles, but this convoluted trek back to The Showcase of the Immortal could be a bump in the road. Rhodes has the chance to show the world that he's just getting started.