Cody Rhodes Drops Heart-Wrenching Retirement Bombshell: “My Next WWE Contract Will Be My Last”
In a moment that silenced the wrestling world and tugged at the heartstrings of millions, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes laid bare his plans for the twilight of his legendary career. During a raw, unfiltered interview on the “All The Smoke” podcast, the 40-year-old superstar—known to fans as the American Nightmare—delivered a gut-punch revelation: his next contract with WWE will mark the end of his in-ring journey. “What I’d say is probably my last contract with WWE—the next contract I sign, probably my last, and finish my days with WWE,” Rhodes shared, his voice steady but laced with the weight of finality. As clips from the episode raced across social media, fans flooded timelines with teary-eyed reactions, hailing the man who resurrected his family’s storied legacy as a beacon of vulnerability in a sport built on bravado.
Rhodes’ words hit like a Cross Rhodes finisher, not just for their bluntness but for the deeply personal motivations driving them. At the peak of his powers, fresh off headlining WrestleMania 41 and clinching the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, the champion is choosing presence over the spotlight. Fatherhood has reshaped his priorities in ways the road’s relentless grind never could. With two young children at home—his latest addition just months old—Rhodes spoke candidly about the ache of missing bedtime stories and school plays. “I’d like to make it by that time when they hit that age, I’m not gone that often, or I can’t really walk around much,” he confessed, evoking the ghost of his own father, the iconic Dusty Rhodes.
The son of the American Dream recalled how his dad balanced the squared circle with coaching Little League in Cobb County, Georgia—a model Cody now yearns to emulate. “He’s known in Cobb County as Coach more than the American Dream,” Rhodes reflected, his admiration cutting through the podcast’s casual vibe like a spotlight on a dimly lit ring.
This isn’t some offhand musing from a weary traveler; it’s a calculated exit strategy from a wrestler who’s scripted his own redemption arc with surgical precision. Rhodes’ WWE odyssey reads like a Hollywood epic: Departing in 2016 under the stifling Stardust persona, he forged a new empire on the indie circuit, co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and capturing titles from New Japan Pro-Wrestling to Ring of Honor. His triumphant 2022 return at WrestleMania 38—ambushing Seth Rollins in a moment that still gives chills—ignited a firestorm. Back-to-back Royal Rumble victories in 2023 and 2024 propelled him to dethrone Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL, ending The Bloodline’s iron grip and etching his name into immortality. Add the inaugural WWE Crown Jewel Championship and dual WWE Championship reigns, and you’ve got WWE’s 34th Triple Crown Champion—a resume that screams unfinished business, yet Rhodes insists he’s scripted the finale on his terms.
The timing couldn’t be more poignant. As WWE barrels toward a seismic 2026, whispers of a dream match with John Cena at WrestleMania 42 swirl like smoke in the arena. Rhodes, ever the storyteller, hinted at post-retirement dreams beyond the ropes: dipping into acting, channeling the narrative flair that made him a main-event magnet into silver-screen tales. “I would love to tell stories like we do in the ring, in a different fashion,” he mused, eyes alight with possibility. But for now, the focus sharpens on legacy-building sprints—defending his title against hungry challengers like Drew McIntyre or a resurgent Seth Rollins, all while mentoring the next wave. Fans, still reeling from Goldberg’s emotional farewell earlier this year (where Rhodes delivered a heartfelt tribute post-match), sense the end of an era accelerating.
Social media erupted in a torrent of emotion, with #ThankYouCody trending worldwide within hours. Veterans like Ric Flair praised his poise—”Cody’s not just finishing strong; he’s redefining what strong looks like”—while young fans shared fan art of the Nightmare bowing out under confetti showers. Critics, though, speculate on the business angle: Rhodes’ current deal, reportedly lucrative with $3 million in annual merch and endorsements, could extend two to three more years, aligning his bow-out with his mid-40s. Whatever the calendar says, the sentiment is unanimous—this isn’t goodbye; it’s gratitude for a warrior who bled for the story.
Rhodes’ announcement underscores a broader shift in WWE: stars prioritizing life beyond the lights, cameras, and action. In an industry once notorious for chewing up bodies and spitting out regrets, his grace signals hope. As he laces up for one more run, the Universe holds its breath, cherishing every suplex, every roar. Cody Rhodes didn’t just win the title; he won our hearts. And when the final bell tolls, it’ll echo not as loss, but as a life well-wrestled.
