WWE: What Does Cody Rhodes' Latest Loss Mean in His Feud with Randy Orton?

Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have been knee deep in a bitter rivalry that has been going on since September.  So far, Rhodes is down 1-2 in big time matches against Orton and some fans have begun to speculate not if, but when, Cody will eventually lose this feud.

Yes, the WWE doomsayers are at it again.

It seems whenever fans choose a Superstar they deem to be the next big thing, their push to the very top of the company has to happen now.  

Now, as in yesterday.

Anything less than immediate satisfaction is considered a failure, and some fans are relentless when it comes to wanting the “wrestler of the moment,” to reach the very heights of the business.  To be honest, it’s expected at this point.

After all, we fans are a passionate bunch and we know what we want.  And right now, fans want Cody Rhodes.

I really cannot pinpoint what it is about Rhodes that is generating all of this excitement and expectations among the WWE faithful.  I suppose it’s not just one element of his game, it’s the total package.

All apologies to Lex Luger on that one, but when it comes to Cody there is the overall feeling that the guy is complete in nearly every way.

He’s got a great gimmick.  Okay, maybe not Undertaker great, but great for Cody. 

The tortured soul of a Superstar who attempts to hide a scarred and mangled face that no one sees but himself, combined with the monotone with which he articulates on the mic, have set him apart from everyone else on the roster.

As we point out all the time, all a guy really needs is a great hook to win the audience and he’s golden.  Cody has that hook.

Then, there’s the fact that he can work lights out in the ring.  Yes, that bit is still important.

His matches with Randy have gone over extremely well and are becoming very fun to watch.  Cody is well paced in the ring, taking his time to tell the story, and since the feud began, he has risen to the occasion every time they face off.

So, the gimmick is there.  The work ethic is there.  Working a WWE main event guy is not only happening, it’s stealing the show in most cases.  So, what’s left?

Oh, yes.  Cody is the son of the one of the greatest workers in the history of the business.  Forgot about that one.

Be honest, how many times does it cross your mind that Cody is the son of the American Dream?  It was a factor at the beginning of Cody’s WWE career and has played a part in various moments since then, but now?

Cody is standing on his own two feet, well apart from the accomplishments of his father and has carved out his own unique niche in the company.  It’s huge for Cody and he should be applauded for the effort that it took for him to get to this point.

How do you reward a guy who has done everything asked of him and is as naturally talented as Cody Rhodes is?

This is where those impatient fans all answer in unison, “give him the World Title.”

Yes, the World Championship could very well be in Cody Rhodes’ future.  I for one think that with enough time and a little more work, he would make a fine champion and would carry it well.  But, first things first.

Namely, Randy Orton, who has now stepped into the role of the veteran Superstar helping the other guy on his way up the ladder.  That is the position that Orton now finds himself in, whether he likes it or not.

Why make such a statement?  Let’s face it folks, this is Randy we’re talking about, the guy who reportedly always gets his way backstage, and when he doesn’t, look out.

The word "crybaby" mean anything to you?

I don’t know that it’s a fair accusation.  After all, pro wrestling is a business in which you have to sell yourself in order to get somewhere.  You are your own biggest sponsor, sometimes the only one who is looking out for you is, well, you.  Who can blame Randy for doing everything in his power to ensure that his place in the company and on the program is secure, and that he looks good as often as possible?

Any of that flying with you guys?

It’s hard to know what to believe about Randy and the truth is if he has been allowed to operate with the reported amount of stroke that he has thus far, it’s likely not going to change anytime soon.  Not much any of us can do about that.

Cody, on the other hand, is master of his own destiny.  Vince McMahon is supposedly a fan.  That’s a pretty big deal.  Nothing personal against the rest of us, but really, with that guy in your corner who else do you need?

While Cody is holding his own in the feud with Orton, the fact is if he were to lose again—especially in a pay-per-view setting—we may be back to square one here.  Granted, he does not need to win every match in order to look good, nor does he need to completely dominate Randy in order to move on the next level.  But, he cannot afford to lose any ground now.

Randy could either be very good for Cody or potentially bury him.  There’s nothing worse than being pushed back a step when you’re so close to the top.  Will that eventually happen to Cody Rhodes?

The doom and gloom fans already have their answer.  They see black at the end of the tunnel.  

For the rest of us, we’re content to sit back and enjoy the ride.  Ring the bell, let’s make this match happen again.  Now.  Like yesterday.