Throughout their rivalry, Roman Reigns often used his “politician” barb to describe Cody Rhodes’ carefully curated public image. To the “Tribal Chief,” Cody’s tailored suits and constant fan interaction were less about authenticity and more about a calculated routine of “kissing babies and shaking hands.” Beyond the on-screen character, the label also alluded to the complicated power dynamics backstage at WWE, where performers often attempt to “politic” their way into championship opportunities and main-event spots.
During a recent appearance on his podcast, What Do You Want To Talk About?, Cody explained to Gunther why he found the label accurate and how he navigates the company’s internal landscape.
“Roman Reigns called me a politician one time, and I remember thinking, ‘I’m not mad at that.’ I grew up in the business. Everyone is, to a degree. To me, there is politics and posturing, and then there is snaking and backstabbing.”
Cody contrasted the toxic “backstabbing” of previous eras with the current culture of the WWE locker room. He praised peers like Gunther for being “straight up” about their opinions regarding match quality and creative direction. According to Cody, the modern roster prefers open dialogue—where opinions are weighed before a final decision is made—over the deceptive tactics sometimes found in the industry.
He noted that it is easy to “smell” when someone is being disingenuous about a creative pitch, stating, “You can already tell, ‘No, it’s not. I can tell it’s not even for me.’” This transparency has been a key factor in the stability of the Raw and SmackDown brands as the company moves toward WrestleMania 42.
While the “politician” label remains a part of his wrestling persona, Cody has revealed that it could eventually become his real-world profession. He previously confirmed that he has been approached to run for office in his home state of Georgia. Gunther even joked during the podcast that Cody should pursue a seat in the Senate, noting that his experience in the wrestling world—where one is often “hated by everybody”—would be the perfect preparation for the scrutiny of public service.
Cody currently finds himself at the center of the WrestleMania 42 title picture. This Friday on SmackDown, he is scheduled to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship in a match that carries implications for Mania. If Cody captures the gold, he is widely expected to defend it against his former mentor Randy Orton at Allegiant Stadium, fulfilling a “full-circle” narrative that has been years in the making.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit What Do You Wanna Talk About? with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
