Cody Rhodes is open to turning heel in WWE, but believes a move to the dark side could look very different from what fans expect.

Speaking on ESPN’s UNSPORTSMANLIKE, the former WWE Champion discussed a possible alliance with Paul Heyman and explained that he is willing to follow whichever direction works best for WWE.

Rhodes revealed that his connection with Heyman goes beyond their on-screen interactions, with his father playing a part in their relationship.

“Very interesting. I have a unique relationship with Mr. Heyman because of his relationship with my dad. He actually just came on my podcast. It’s going to air, I think, the week after Thanksgiving. But there’s more exposition in that because why we get along. He has a really unique relationship and reputation in sports entertainment and pro wrestling. On the podcast, we talked a lot about why that is, and there’s a sense of loyalty.”

While Rhodes has spent years as a fan favourite, he suggested that some viewers already see him differently.

“I’m really open. That’s the biggest thing that I tell people all the time. You’re going to make that shift and go heel or stay babyface, whatever it is, whatever’s best for WWE. But we are starting to get into an area where if you think I’m a heel, then I’m already a heel. If you think I’m a heel, you know? And I’m not trying to make it so that you can’t get what you want, but if you think I’m a heel, I might already be a heel because we have a whole other side of it that doesn’t think that.”

Rhodes pointed to the reaction he received after telling fans how much he enjoyed punting Randy Orton. Although he expected boos, the crowd had other ideas.

“A prime example: I went out there the other night. I said I loved punting Randy Orton. I loved it. And I tried to put a little growl in it. ‘I loved it!’ And they just cheered.”

“I thought, ‘Oh, I thought they were going to boo.’”

For Rhodes, that unpredictable response is part of what makes wrestling audiences special.

“There’s no wrong way to be a fan. You can’t guess which direction.”

As for whether Heyman could help bring out his villainous side, Rhodes acknowledged that such a change would mean giving up parts of his current role while creating new opportunities.

“To hit it on the head a little more specifically, if something like Heyman or someone else, me as a heel would take a lot away from what I currently do. And it would probably add in its own way.”

“I think it looks different than people think.”

Rhodes has left the door open, although his comments do not confirm that a turn or an alliance with Heyman is planned.

Would you like to see Cody Rhodes turn heel alongside Paul Heyman, or should he remain a fan favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Is @CodyRhodes gearing up for a heel turn?

- @EvCoRadio raises the possibility of Cody and @HeymanHustle teaming up.
- Cody as a heel may look different from what people expect… pic.twitter.com/f73hKEVTen

, UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) November 11, 2026