It doesn’t sound like Cody Rhodes will be exploring any other options whenever his current WWE contract expires. The former Undisputed WWE Champion addressed his wrestling future during a Wednesday appearance on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, clarifying that while he hasn’t set a firm retirement date, he is certain where his career will conclude. Rhodes expects his next wrestling contract to be his last, and he is adamant that the agreement will be with WWE.
“I don’t have an end date like I used to. I do know that whatever the next deal that I sign with WWE, I ain’t going nowhere, that next deal will be the last,” Rhodes said.
The 40-year-old superstar noted that he feels he is currently in his professional prime, particularly regarding his ability to craft promos and do high-level matches. While he was once wary of overstaying his welcome in the ring, Rhodes believes the modern era allows wrestlers to maintain their peak performance much longer than previous generations.
“Wrestling’s so unique in terms of it’s hard to determine your time. Especially in 2026, with the level of athlete that you can grow to be. Look at what Brock [Lesnar] is doing currently at this level, he’s in peak form. Roman [Reigns], older, peak form. [CM] Punk, Punk is the best he’s ever been. So age is really not what it used to be in the industry,” Rhodes explained.
This Saturday at Elimination Chamber in Chicago, he will join Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso inside the steel structure. The stakes are at an all-time high, as the winner will earn a guaranteed Undisputed WWE Championship match against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full interview on the ESPN app or via major podcast platforms.
