Ted DiBiase, Jr. Needs Cody Rhodes to Be Successful Again in WWE

Ted DiBiase, Jr., may have learned two things Friday night on SmackDown. First, Daniel Bryan is not someone to take lightly in the ring. Second, having Cody Rhodes in his corner may be the thing he needs to drive him back toward greatness.

DiBiase, Jr., who has been suspended in mid-card status for the longest time, was beaten by Bryan in a mid-card match, but what followed the loss could be an indication of things to come from the third-generation wrestler.

Bryan was systematically beaten by DiBiase, Jr., and Cody Rhodes, who lost to Bryan in a previous match. The former world tag team champions looked like a team again as they showed the former U.S. Heavyweight Champion who he was dealing with.

Sin Cara came to Bryan’s aid and the two former members of Legacy quickly retreated for higher ground.

When Rhodes and DiBiase, Jr., were in Legacy, it was Rhodes who was depicted as the weaker of the two wrestlers and that the son of the Million Dollar Man, who is a top-five talent, was on a path to singles stardom.

But in recent months, Rhodes has become the one who appears to be ready for championship contention while DiBiase, Jr., has been involved in matches and a relationship with Maryse, which has impeded his progression toward main-event status.

Like so many other wrestlers in the past, maybe the competition and partnership with Rhodes is the one thing that can drive DiBiase, Jr. toward greatness. Ric Flair needed Harley Race and Wahoo McDaniel. Dusty Rhodes needed Flair. Sting needed Flair as well and Lex Lugar needed Sting.  

Also, the Rock, Triple H and Steve Austin needed each other to tear the roof of the business. It is not that uncommon in this business or in any sport to see one athlete get a push from another to achieve greatness.

The only problem with this situation is that both superstars are caught in mid-card matches. While Randy Orton is the World Champion and is being chased by Christian and Sheamus, there are others such as Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson who should be getting a push for top-billing within the next few pay-per-view events.

And there is also an issue with fan support of a union like this and who might be opposition for the two partners besides Bryan. Does Sin Cara join the fight? What about other superstars and is there enough of a push to see if both can finally fulfill their potential?

If they continue to show an allegiance, then the partnership could prove to be beneficial for both. If not, then DiBiase, Jr. may be mired in mid-card status for some time and never fully appreciate how great he can be.