Is Cody Rhodes Stuck?

[Jack-Hammer]

As of right now, I don't think that there's anyone on the SmackDown! mid-card picture that's good enough to take the IC title from Rhodes. Now that doesn't mean that WWE isn't capable of giving someone the push and time to build up someone that could be a good champion after taking the title off Rhodes, it's just going to take a little time.

I'm in no rush to see Rhodes moved to the main event picture. The WWE has taken their time with Rhodes and the payoff has been completely worth it. They don't need to alter the formula because there's nothing wrong with it. It ain't broke, so don't try to fix it. I'd like to see WWE sort of do something similar with who will ultimately unseat Rhodes. I'd hate to see them just slap the title onto someone just so they can move Cody up. That could wind up undoing all the great work Rhodes has done in making the IC title more relevant now than it's been for the last half decade, at least.

As for someone who has the potential, I'm looking at Drew McIntyre. McIntyre is much better inside the ring and better on the mic than he was when he debuted. They pushed him too soon, though I did think he had an overall decent run. He had some good matches for the title but they cast him as this sort of one dimensional guy that never tried to really show much emotion. He's gotten better at using his facial expressions and body language to help him tell stories in the ring and on the mic. I look for his losing streak storyline to eventually lead to him turning face. He's got the in-ring ability to put on very good matches with Rhodes, he just needs more work on his promo skills and to work hard to get the crowd behind him. If this does turn out to be the plan, don't rush it. Don't take as long as they have with Rhodes obviously, but don't rush into it either and I think it could work.

 

[King of the Words]

I don't think Cody is stuck. It's like a lot of people have said, there are enough guys in the main event scene for now so it is better to leave Cody in the midcard level and be the best at that level then to get lost in the shuffle of the main event scene. I think he will be WHC. before 2012 is out. Maybe he can hold both titles for a while, then lose the INC. title to an up and comer worthy of the title. IE. Brodus Clay, Drew Macintyre, Ted Dibease...etc.

 

[Headman]

I don't think Cody is stuck at all. I'm not a fan of this idea that a superstar who hits his stride in the midcard should immediately be rocketed to the main events. What's wrong with a year long IC title reign? Yes, I think he needs some more legit challengers to present the threat of Rhodes losing his title. The WWE really needs to build some other guys up to work with Rhodes and then eventually take the title off of Rhodes when he's done all he can with it.

 

[The Perfect Max]

I'll agree. Cody Rhodes has been awesome these past couple of years and to see how much he has grown is great. I've enjoyed his persona as "Dashing" Cody Rhodes, through to his transition of a dark and mysterious character, which has brought us a feud with Rey Mysterio, the Intercontinental Championship, and feuds with Randy Orton, John Morrison and Booker T.

Rhodes is indeed up for the challenge of being a main eventer. If not, just bring him back to the IC title scene. Stick the title on him for another 200 days and work around what is wrong, however, I don't see this as being the case as I am hoping he becomes World Heavyweight Champion this year.

Anyway, Goldust, in my minds, seems a logical last mid-card challenge. Rumours are out there and this is one I would love to see. Career vs Title. Brother vs Brother. WrestleMania XXVIII. The feud is pratically happening now and Brother vs Brother feuds are generally successful and popular. Obviously, Goldust would lose at WrestleMania, but Rhodes could easily drop to someone else, who I don't know, because we don't know who will be in the position in April to hold the IC title. Zeke again? Maybe, but I don't see it. Bryan? Barrett? Gabriel? So many guys, maybe even McIntyre.

Best bet McIntyre. And Goldust seems logical to move him up into the main event scene.

 

[theBec2101]

because he doesnt have the look. Im'sorry he looks like a 12yr old girl with her hair pulled back. You know he stuck also because now ziggler is wearing the hooded jacked when he comes out. when was the last time tow wrestlers came out with almost the same outfit and werent a tag team.

 

[TWJC: The Beginning]

Please guys, Dolph, the Rhodes of Raw, dropped it to Ryder, who dropped it to Swagger. He's a heel, he cheats to win. someone beats him, maybe even flukey, then he moves on. Pretty simple, happens all the time. Fans don't go "well he lost, he sucks" they go "fuck this guy, I hate that he's arrogant and he cheats BOOOO" etc.

 

[The A]

It sucks that besides the Booker feud, he hasn't really been in a relevant feud with the title. The thing with Booker was short and we knew that it was only being used to help elevate cody, which it did the best it can. It's tough to say who can have a nice feud with him and actually take the title. Brodus Clay comes to mind but that would be months away Because Brodus hasnt been built at all. I think it would be a downgrade for Kofi. Drew Mac would have to turn face. I see that happening but not for a while. They could use Khali to take it off his hands and quickly give it to another heel, maybe Jinder if he's ready. I don't know but its a tough one. Maybe they can just have him break the record for holding it the longest. By then, they'll have more options and he'll be an even bigger star by then.

 

[saintsrlfc95]

I've got a bad feeling Goldust will become the new I-C champion at Wrestlemania 28, but i would like to see Drew McIntyre or Ted DiBiase become the new champion to build them up in 2012.

 

[mrfantastic111]

Oh, and the people who say that Cody's muscular physique is 'too small', just don't even try and pull that excuse. The guy is a good size and is very lean, and over time he will continue to grow bigger. He's not HHH, but he's no small guy, he just seems very 'average' next to beefed out guys, but he's not even small compared to most.

 

[cyhh2002]

Right now, I don't see any serious babyface challengers for the Intercontinental Championship for the time being. Sheamus IMO is the closest but he won the Royal Rumble match last month and guys like Justin Gabriel, Ezekiel Jackson, or Ted DiBiase are not serious challengers right now.

But once the WWE Draft is over, I expect somebody coming to SmackDown like maybe Kofi Kingston or R-Truth who could seriously challenge Rhodes for the IC title.