Cody Rhodes Opens Up: Why Stardust Character Was His Career Low Point

One Big Thing

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes candidly admits his Stardust character was “awful,” revealing on the “Flagrant” podcast how the gimmick represented a period of creative frustration and personal regret.

Why It Matters

Rhodes’ journey from Stardust to “The American Nightmare” illustrates the evolution of his career and WWE’s shifting approach to character development. His current success as WWE Champion validates his decision to leave WWE in 2016 and rebuild his brand independently.

By The Numbers

• Rhodes portrayed Stardust from 2014 to 2016
• Won 1 Tag Team Championship during the Stardust run
• Left WWE in 2016, returned at WrestleMania 38 in 2022

Key Details

• Rhodes acknowledges partial responsibility for not speaking up earlier about his creative frustrations
• Despite some crowd engagement and title success, the character failed to fulfill his career aspirations
• The experience served as a catalyst for his eventual departure and reinvention

Direct Quote

“During the younger run, I wasn’t speaking up — it’s awful, man, awful, and it actually was okay. Like crowds were kind of fun with it… However, I found that a lot of it was on was on me,” Rhodes said on Flagrant.

The Big Picture

Rhodes’ honest reflection on the Stardust era demonstrates how wrestling performers must sometimes take creative risks to find their authentic voice. His current success as WWE Champion proves that speaking up and taking control of one’s career path can lead to greater achievements.

What do you think about Cody Rhodes’ transformation from Stardust to “The American Nightmare”? Share your thoughts in the comments below about how this career shift has impacted his current WWE run.