Cody Rhodes should change one thing about his WWE presentation, legend thinks

Cody Rhodes has been one of WWE's top babyfaces since returning to the company in 2022. Dutch Mantell, formerly known as Zeb Colter in WWE, believes The American Nightmare should alter his lengthy ring entrance.

Rhodes often makes a slow entrance to the ring while fans join in with his theme song, "Kingdom," by Downstait. The 39-year-old usually poses on the stage area before climbing to the middle rope to look out into the crowd.

Mantell performed as a WWE manager in 1995 and 1996 before returning in 2013 for another three-year run. On his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, the wrestling legend advised Rhodes to shorten his entrance.

"When he comes down the aisle when they introduce him, he does this [punches air], he puts his hand down, he does this [raises fists]," Mantell said. "He spends an extraordinary amount of time playing to the people, which is part of the job, I got that, but I just think he takes too long to get to the ring." [From 4:03 – 4:23]

Cody Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 on April 20. After a five-week absence, he returned at Saturday Night's Main Event on May 24.

Dutch Mantell addresses WWE fans' perception of Cody Rhodes

Speculation about Cody Rhodes potentially turning heel has increased since a large section of fans booed him at WrestleMania 41. The former Undisputed WWE Champion also received a negative reaction on the final SmackDown episode before The Show of Shows.

Expand Tweet

Dutch Mantell understands why some fans struggle to connect with Rhodes' good-guy persona:

"To me, it is [a disconnect]. I can't even piece it together. But it's not up to me, it's up to the fans. If they buy him, good, I'd figure out a lot of stuff for him." [From 4:31 – 4:40]

On June 7, Rhodes will join forces with Jey Uso to face John Cena and Logan Paul in a tag team match at Money in the Bank.

Please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

Know More

Edited by Danny Hart