Cody Rhodes recently captured the Undisputed WWE Championship for the third time, defeating Drew McIntyre during the March 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Portland, Oregon. The victory came after a main event that saw interference from Jacob Fatu, allowing Rhodes to hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes combination to secure the title. Despite reaching this milestone and holding the championship more times than his Hall of Fame father, Rhodes maintains that he has not yet eclipsed the legacy of “The American Dream.”
Appearing on Insight with Chris Van Vliet following his title win, Rhodes addressed the comparisons between his career and his father’s. He revealed that Paul Heyman had privately suggested to him that his accomplishments in WWE has already surpassed those of Dusty Rhodes. While flattered by the assessment from a figure like Heyman, Cody admitted that he still finds it difficult to view his own success through that lens, noting that his father’s influence on the industry remains unparalleled.
The Lasting Impact Of Dusty Rhodes On Production
Rhodes noted that Dusty’s legacy is defined by more than just championship wins, pointing to the various production elements and creative concepts that his father pioneered.
“I don’t think he’d mind me sharing this, Mr. Heyman told me that. And I thought he might be the one guy I believe it, right? Because I don’t, even when I’m by myself and doing one of these [interviews], I still don’t believe that. Because I think Dusty’s legacy had such a final chapter that it still goes on today. I mean, they’re still doing things of his today. And there’s a whole fandom that will never even know they were his brainchild or something that he — this is a silly one, but for example, the cage lowering with the [sound], that’s a Dusty thing. These production things are still in play. I appreciate you saying it. I think I have a lot more to do. But, yeah, that’s really nice,” Rhodes said.
Cody Rhodes is now preparing for a title defense against his former mentor, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 42 this April in Las Vegas. The match was finalized after Orton won the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match in Chicago, securing his spot in the main event of Night One at Allegiant Stadium.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Insight with Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Fans can check out the full interview on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet YouTube channel or on all major podcast platforms.
