Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently shared a deeply personal and emotional reflection on his journey to the top of WWE, revealing the “immense shame” he feels that his late father, legendary Dusty Rhodes, never witnessed his rise to championship glory. In a heartfelt interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Cody detailed the weight of carrying his family legacy while navigating his own career highs and lows, including his controversial Stardust character phase[1][3].

During the extensive conversation with Bill Simmons, Cody described the mission he’s long embraced to “finish the story” of the Rhodes family in WWE, a journey that has been as much about personal redemption as professional achievement. He acknowledged the burden of disappointment tied to Stardust, a gimmick he portrayed that earned mixed reviews and conflicted feelings, often overshadowing his true potential. Cody expressed that the lack of his father’s presence to witness his current success—namely holding the WWE Undisputed Championship—has been a profound and lingering source of sadness and shame[1].

The American Nightmare elaborated that Dusty Rhodes, a wrestling icon and beloved figure in WWE history, was not only his father but also a powerful emotional anchor and inspiration throughout his career. Losing Dusty before Cody’s championship ascension created a void that he felt acutely in moments of triumph. According to sources close to Rhodes, this emotional complexity has fueled both his motivation and pressure to uphold the family name with excellence and integrity inside the squared circle[1][3].

Cody’s candid discussion also touched on his time outside WWE, including his highly successful stint in AEW, and his return to WWE with a clear purpose to prove himself on his own terms. He reflected on the challenges of leaving the Stardust character behind, which he described as a necessary “bet on yourself” moment that required immense courage and self-belief to redefine his wrestling identity—a story arc that resonates deeply with fans and pros alike[5].

WWE.com praised Cody’s vulnerability during the interview, noting it gives fans rare insight into the personal sacrifices behind the scenes and the emotional costs of pursuing greatness in professional wrestling. Fightful’s analysis emphasized how Rhodes’ story is emblematic of wrestling’s blend of real-life drama and in-ring storytelling, making his current reign as Undisputed WWE Champion not just a title victory but a meaningful chapter in a larger family saga.

According to The Bill Simmons Podcast, Cody’s narrative goes beyond championship gold—it’s about legacy, love, and redemption. “I’m finishing what my father started,” Cody said, “but it’s also about me standing on my own, in my own time, with his spirit guiding me.” The interview has sparked widespread discussion among wrestling fans and analysts about the emotional depth wrestlers bring to their craft, especially when intertwined with personal histories[1][4].

As Cody Rhodes continues to solidify himself at the pinnacle of WWE, the vulnerable reflections he shared serve as a poignant reminder of the complex human stories behind the spectacle. With Dusty Rhodes’ memory ever-present, Cody’s championship reign honors a family legacy while forging a path distinctly his own.

For more insights, watch Cody Rhodes’ full interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast and stay tuned to WWE.com and Fightful for ongoing coverage of The American Nightmare’s championship journey and backstage perspectives.

Sources:

• The Bill Simmons Podcast, August 1, 2025[1][3]
• WWE.com (coverage of Cody Rhodes championship and legacy)
• Fightful Wrestling analysis
• 411Mania interview excerpts[5]