WWE: 10 Reasons Why Cody Rhodes' Legacy Will Be Bigger Than Randy Orton's

"Dashing" Cody Rhodes is the current Intercontinental Champion and one of the most engrossing characters to hit the WWE airwaves in a long time.

Like his former "Legacy" partner, Randy Orton, Rhodes descends from greatness.

As the son of legend Dusty Rhodes and the brother of the most bizarre WWE superstar in history, Goldust, the second-generation star is primed to finally carve his own legacy.

Right now Rhodes' career pales in comparison to third-generation, multi-time WWE Champion Randy Orton, but certain of Rhodes' characteristics suggest a future even brighter than his former friend.

There are 10 reasons why Cody Rhodes' career will outshine Randy Orton's.

The following slideshow will include five comparison-based observations in favor of the "dashing" star followed by five prognostications about what lies ahead for him.

Cody's Character Is More Unique Than Randy Orton's

Rhodes is the "Phantom" of the WWE. His character is that of a tortured soul who cannot bear his own visage in the mirror after having been injured at the hands—or rather knee brace—of Rey Mysterio.

The once-proud Rhodes, who preened in front of a digital mirror while making his way to the ring, could no longer face the truth of his shattered image.

Truth be told, however, it's not Cody's face that is damaged, but his mind.

His psychological health is so impaired that he projects the ugliness he feels inside himself onto unsuspecting enemies whose heads are "bagged" lest they become a sight for sore eyes.

In wrestling, the ones who do something completely different than anything seen before usually reach the promised land.

Cody has revolutionized SmackDown with a character that hasn't yet scratched the surface.

Randy Orton's spasmodic character, on the other hand, is an amalgam of George "The Animal" Steele's goofiness and Hulk Hogan's mid-match "power-ups." His character is entertaining, but doesn't have the long-term potential to revolutionize the industry like Cody's.

He Has a Better Attitude Than Randy Orton

In his newly released DVD/Blu-Ray, Evolution of a Predator, Randy Orton reveals that just a few years ago, he had attitude issues.

It wasn't until he settled down and had a daughter that his perspective changed.

Still, despite his newfound ability to manage his temper, Orton has showed hints of unprofessionalism (i.e., breaking character to malign Kofi Kingston after a mistimed spot).

Several months back, on Twitter, the former Mr. Kennedy accused Orton of costing him his job with the WWE; the other day, former WWE star Shad Gaspard called the "Viper" a "chest-stabber" in an interview.

There's proof in the pudding that Orton isn't the nicest guy; however, the same can't be said for Cody Rhodes, who is one of the most personable wrestlers in the WWE locker room.

For example, when was the last time you heard someone say something negative about the "dashing" one?

Unlike Orton, Rhodes Hasn't Peaked

Randy Orton literally has accomplished everything he possibly could in the WWE.

He's won the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships many times over, been the Royal Rumble winner, headlined WrestleMania and main-evented countless pay-per-views.

Yet with all his accolades, there is no evidence to suggest that the "Viper" drives PPV buys, is a top merchandise seller (unlike John Cena, Rey Mysterio or even CM Punk) or is a box-office draw.

In fact, fan photos of recent SmackDown tapings depict gloomy arenas with nary a person sitting opposite the hard camera. This is the same show Randy Orton is purportedly the "leader" of.

Granted, Cody Rhodes is on the same show, but he's just getting started. In time, he can take his deranged, white-collar character to heights that will be identifiable and relatable to the mainstream market.

Cody Is a Better Wrestler Than Randy Was at Cody's Age

At only 26 years old, Cody Rhodes has a precocious ability to play the audience like a fiddle.

He combines his in-ring psychology, facial expressions and vast repertoire of moves to create a cauldron of creativity that enthralls fans night in and night out.

The 31-year-old Orton was nowhere near as good five years ago.

For instance, his methodical pace, punch-heavy offense and over-reliance on chin locks evoked mostly silence from crowds. It wasn't until his series of matches with Christian that the "Viper" made a noticeable step forward as a wrestler.

Additionally, even at big shows like WrestleMania, one can reasonably argue that Rhodes already has had a better showing than Orton ever did.

At the 27th installment, the masked man had an underrated classic with Rey Mysterio, whereas in the main event on the very same stage two years prior, Orton had arguably the worst match ever to close the show.

Rhodes Has More Natural Charisma Than Orton

Cody Rhodes, slight lisp notwithstanding, has a way with the microphone.

This was apparent the first time he spoke into one—at his father's WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2007.

His timing, varying intonation, expressions, believability in his words and passionate delivery make Rhodes a better talker than Orton ever was.

Let's face it: Orton's promos, like many of his matches, can often try the patience of viewers, who don't always buy into his stilted manner of speaking.

In essence, Cody is a better actor, who feels it is his duty to present his character in the most plausible light to fans.

In some ways, his American Psycho-esque gimmick is a throwback to the classic '80s era teeming with rich and florid characters, who attracted what turned into loyal and lifelong fans of the WWE product.

Prognostication No. 1: Rhodes Will Bring Unprecedented Prominence to I.C. Title

At Hell in a Cell 2011, Cody Rhodes jettisoned the "modern-day" Intercontinental Title to unveil a belt that hadn't seen the light of day since the late '90s—the traditional, old school version.

Even as a heel, the switching of the belts elicited an extremely positive response from the audience, who immediately recognized Rhodes as the man to restore prosperity to a belt that has been overshadowed for a seemingly interminable period of time.

Rhodes will not lose the prestigious championship in the foreseeable future. Rather, he eventually will become the greatest Intercontinental Champion who ever lived, surpassing the Honky Tonk Man's record.

Revamping the look of the title is only the first step for the sullen superstar, who will someday return legitimacy to it.

Prognostication No. 2: People Will Pay to See Rhodes Win or Lose

Cody Rhodes will become the draw that Randy Orton never really was.

In due time, as a heel, fans will eventually clamor to see his face get pummeled. Can you imagine if Rhodes "bagged" The Undertaker's face after a surprise attack?

The "Dead Man" wearing a paper bag over his head is the type of image that can evoke rage out of an audience hoping to see their "dark knight" exact revenge.

There was another wrestler, Ted DiBiase Sr., the father of Rhodes' former "Priceless" partner, who left a calling card in the form of dollar bills in the mouth of those who incited his ire. The "Million-Dollar Man" went on to become one of the greatest heels in WWE history.

And even if Rhodes were to turn face, it is possible his "emo" character can become a hero to millions just like Mick Foley's "Mankind" 13 years ago.

Over time, Cody's despicable features can become vulnerable traits that resonate with fans who can identify with the anguish languishing in his spirit.

Prognostication No. 3: Cody Will Be More Successful Outside the Ring Than Orton

After nine years as a WWE superstar, Randy Orton finally did a project outside of wrestling.

It's called That's What I Am, a film in which the "Viper" plays a supporting role.

Rhodes has yet to crack the silver screen, but when he does Hollywood pundits will never even guess he also happens to be a pro wrestler.

Quite frankly, Rhodes' looks fit the mold of a movie star more than that of a conventional grappler.

For that reason—in addition to the flair he's shown for emoting on the microphone and in the ring—the "dashing" one will eventually attract the attention not only of WWE executives, but also of Hollywood moguls.

That's right—Cody Rhodes will be the next wrestler (after The Rock) to make the jump to Tinseltown.

Prognostication No. 4: Rhodes Will Have a Star-Making WrestleMania 28 Match

To this day, Randy Orton cannot claim to have been involved in a WrestleMania classic that will live on forever.

At 2011's WrestleMania 27, Rhodes surprised many with what they considered the show-stealer against Rey Mysterio.

Give the "dashing" fighter Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Triple H, Daniel Bryan, Christian, Sheamus, Evan Bourne or any wrestler who can keep up with him at the next "granddaddy of them all," and he will wow members of the "WWE Universe" with a bona fide masterwork.

Arguably, there is no one else in the WWE who is more adept at telling a story inside the ropes than Cody Rhodes. His potential going forward—as he further develops the psychology of his persona and sharpens his ring skills—is limitless.

Prognostication No. 5: Rhodes Will Become the "Face" of the WWE in 2012

Following his WrestleMania 28 classic, Rhodes will build a sudden surge of momentum that will compare to the buzz swirling around the CM Punk phenomenon during summer 2011.

However, unlike CM Punk, Rhodes will not have his momentum bungled. For once—in perhaps a serendipitous turn of events—the WWE writers will give the masked phenom the boost he needs to become the next big thing in the WWE.

Most importantly, the appeal of Rhodes' soon-to-be predecessor will be abated by then.

That is, the last thing the average fan would've cared to have witnessed John Cena do—face The Rock—will be long over, giving Rhodes the opportunity to usurp the top spot, becoming an enigmatic WWE icon in the process.

The successor to John Cena's throne won't be an invincible, righteous force; instead, he'll represent a warped self-loathing, who requires the fans' love to overcome his adversaries.