Cody Rhodes isn’t sugarcoating anything when it comes to how WWE has changed under the TKO merger—and he’s not holding back about how today’s wrestlers might have it too easy.
Speaking on All the Smoke, the Undisputed WWE Champion reflected on the drastic drop in live events and how that shift might be hurting wrestlers more than helping them.
Rhodes noted that when he came up in the business, constant wrestling wasn’t just normal—it was necessary. He compared it to dancing, where repetition and chemistry sharpen performance. Being on the road was tough, sure, but it built instincts and rhythm that you just can’t replicate by sitting at home.
“You were home two and a half to three days a week, and you were wrestling. But those live events were real wrestling matches. So, it went twofold — you could really get banged up and hurt yourself, or you could build up a rhythm. It’s almost like dancing.”
He admitted the grind could be brutal at times, but the reps made him better.
“At one point in your career, those matches could be hurting you like crazy, and at another point, you could absolutely need them.”
Even with WWE now running around 120 shows per year—down from over 200—Rhodes said he misses that nonstop schedule. While he praised Triple H and Nick Khan for prioritizing health, he still longs for the days when being constantly in the ring shaped his entire skill set.
“Oh my gosh, I loved it. I want it back… So guys have a bit of load management now. Again, credit to the new WWE management… But I came up in a system where you were always wrestling. That’s how I learned you got good at it.”
Then came the line that might ruffle feathers in locker rooms everywhere. Rhodes didn’t shy away from calling out what he sees as complacency in today’s era of big paychecks and lighter workloads.
“I hate that. I know there are all these new terms — load management — but man, oh man, I’m probably getting in trouble with my peers for saying this. These wrestling companies are paying so much money now. Get up! The grind has become a negative now. What are you talking about?”
He emphasized that those constant tours weren’t just about in-ring reps—they gave wrestlers purpose and real connection to fans.
“You get to go to a town on Saturday that might not normally see you, meet families, and give them a moment — you get to be their escape, their hope. Then you go Sunday and do it all over again… I just… I miss it.”
Rhodes’ stance presents a sharp contrast to the direction WWE has taken in recent years. While “load management” may offer physical longevity, Rhodes clearly believes it comes at the cost of development, passion, and connection to the audience.
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