Has Cody Rhodes Finally Eclipsed His Father?

The “American Nightmare” is officially back at the top of the mountain as a three-time WWE Champion, but he remains humble regarding his place in the history books. After defeating Drew McIntyre to reclaim the gold on SmackDown, Cody Rhodes appeared on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet to discuss his legacy. Despite his massive success, Rhodes insists he has not yet surpassed the iconic accomplishments of his father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.

Rhodes revealed that even the legendary Paul Heyman has suggested he may have already eclipsed his father’s WWE-specific achievements. While flattered by the sentiment, Cody believes that Dusty’s impact on the industry is unique because his “brainchildren” and production innovations continue to define the modern product years after his passing.

“I don’t think he’d mind me sharing this, Mr. Heyman told me that,” Rhodes admitted. “But while I appreciate you saying it, I think I have a lot more to do. Dusty’s legacy had such a final chapter that it still goes on today. I mean, they’re still doing things of his today.”

He pointed to specific production elements, such as the unique sound of the steel cage lowering, as lasting examples of Dusty’s creative genius. Before his passing in 2015, the Hall of Famer was instrumental in mentoring many of today’s top stars, including Becky Lynch and Kevin Owens, through his work in the NXT system. For Cody, his father’s legacy isn’t just about championship counts, but about the DNA of the industry itself.

“I appreciate you saying it. I think I have a lot more to do. But, yeah, that’s really nice,” Cody added. His first title win at WrestleMania 40 was famously framed as “finishing the story” that Dusty was never able to complete by capturing the one title that eluded him during his active career in the Stamford-based promotion.

As the road to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas reaches its peak, Rhodes is focused on his upcoming title defense against his former mentor, Randy Orton. The two-night event at Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19, 2026, will serve as the next chapter in Cody’s own legendary journey. The WWE fans in the Nevada desert are eager to see if the three-time champion can continue to outrun the competition on the “treadmill” and solidify a legacy that truly honors the Rhodes name.

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