Eric Bischoff believes that a major character shift is on the horizon for Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Speaking on a special live edition of his 83 Weeks podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his predictions for 2026, identifying Rhodes as the prime candidate for a significant turn in the coming year.
‘It’s Time For Cody’
When asked by a listener if he thought a heel turn was in the cards for Rhodes in 2026, Bischoff answered in the affirmative. He explained that while he doesn’t see it happening immediately, he senses that the character is approaching a point where a change is necessary to maintain momentum.
“I do. I’m feeling a little bit when I see Cody come out and hear him in his promos. I just I think it’s time, not right now, not today, but sometime this year, I think it will almost become a natural evolution, which is the way it should, instead of the oh, let’s come up with a dastardly heel turn,” Bischoff said.
A Natural Evolution
Bischoff noted that for a turn of this magnitude to work, it requires patience and a gradual narrative build rather than a sudden, unearned shock. He compared his preference for a slow burn to the storytelling involving major stars like The Rock and John Cena.
“I like, as I talked about with John and rock and all that, I really like a slow build. I want somebody to get me really sucked into the story before that happens. But I think it’s time for Cody.”
Rhodes is currently scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a “Three Stages of Hell” match at the upcoming Premium Live Event in Berlin on January 9. Following that, the road to WrestleMania 42 begins with the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on January 31.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit 83 Weeks with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full episode on the 83 Weeks podcast feed.
