5 Ways Cody Rhodes could turn heel in AEW

#4 "Donning the golden shovel"- Cody Rhodes uses the Pedigree to keep young stars down

Cody Rhodes has handed first-time losses to Malakai Black, Lance Archer, Eddie Kingston, and Anthony Ogogo during his babyface run with AEW. Many fans have criticized this as they felt the reverse result would have been better.

Being an EVP and holding wins against up-and-coming talent has made him get compared to his WWE counterpart Triple H. The Game has been accused of holding talent down, with the term "golden shovel" being used frequently.

This is a comparison that Cody Rhodes has grown accustomed to and adopted during his time with AEW. However, whether it be smashing a throne with a sledgehammer or teasing the use of the Pedigree during a match.

Why not lean into the parallel with an eventual heel turn? Targeting younger talent, a heel Cody Rhodes can elevate unproven stars in matches, getting the crowd organically behind his foes before finishing contests with the Pedigree.

Not only is the material present for the concept, but working fans against a Triple H copycat in everything would stay true to Cody's seeming self-awareness. It will create a platform where younger talent can be elevated even in defeat, and allow wins against Cody to feel monumental when achieved.

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#3 "I'll retire before I turn heel"- Cody Rhodes uses EVP power to undo loss-imposed retirement

It has been made abundantly clear thus far that Cody Rhodes does not want to turn heel, even proclaiming he will retire before making the character change. That doesn't need to be an absolute denial of the concept, however, as The American Nightmare could literally hang up his boots and return as a heel.

Cody Rhodes has dabbled with the idea of retirement before, leaving a solitary boot in the ring following his loss to Malakai Black earlier this year. It isn't far from the realms of belief that Rhodes has considered his future in the sport.

Life imitates art and often art imitates life and if the growing sentiment is that Cody wants to dial down his time in the ring, then he can wager his career much like he gave up his world title pursuits.

Once again, Cody could lose the wager and retire. But out of sheer refusal to be ousted from the industry that runs through his blood, use his power as Executive Vice President to go against the oath.

As said, Cody is someone who lives and breathes the industry within a family of wrestlers and could pay homage to the trope that no one stays retired by directly going against his obligation.

But this also creates a narrative where Cody can lean into refusing to take losses seriously and essentially book himself in storyline.