Cody Rhodes says the top of WWE is full of older, experienced stars right now. He explained why experience matters as the company heads into WrestleMania.
Rhodes on experience and the wrestling eras
On a recent radio appearance, Rhodes talked about how wrestling goes through phases. He said that in the 1980s the best male wrestlers were often between 35 and 42 years old. He explained that those years give wrestlers the experience they need to read and work live crowds.
Rhodes said, “wrestler prime for the man was 35 to 42,” and added that in that era wrestlers learned by working town to town. He pointed out that live crowds teach performers how to involve fans and tell stories inside the ring.
From young hopefuls to main eventers
Rhodes looked back at a time when he and several others were young and still learning. He mentioned a photo of himself with CM Punk and Matt Cardona from when they were rising stars and had won big titles but were still inexperienced.
Now, Rhodes noted, many of those same names are headlining major shows. He listed Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Randy Orton and himself as examples of wrestlers who are now main eventing big events, including WrestleMania 42.
He said the roster has cycled through phases: a younger group moved up, gained exposure, then time and experience helped several of them become top stars.
New stars waiting in the wings
Rhodes also pointed to a younger generation ready to rise. He named Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Dominik Mysterio, Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes as talent who could take top spots in the future.
His message was simple: the game changes. Sometimes veterans lead the card. Other times, newer faces move up. Right now, the main event scene leans on those with many years of experience.
Watch Rhodes’ full comments
Below is the radio appearance where Rhodes discussed these points in more detail.
Rhodes’ comments underline a clear trend in WWE: for the moment, experience is the key factor at the top of the card, while younger stars wait for their chance to move up.
