How many times does Cody Rhodes have to prove that he can make a crappy gimmick work before he has the trust of management? Whether it was the generic second-generation star, the lackey of Randy Orton as part of Legacy, "Dashing" Cody Rhodes or the mustached tag team partner of Damien Sandow, Rhodes has repeatedly taken chicken crap and turned it into chicken salad. Why, then, has he been unable to breakout and take that next step toward main event success? It is a question there seems to be no valid answer for. The fall of 2013 saw Rhodes deliver several of his finest performances while teaming with brother Goldust. He was passionate, intense, aggressive and had the fans on his side unlike any other time in his career. Many figured it was the beginning of big things for Dusty Rhodes' youngest boy but instead, he against found himself without a direction in post WrestleMania XXX WWE. Today, he competes under gold and black facepaint and rambles on about stars and galaxies as Stardust. Much as he has done throughout his career, he has embraced the character and it has gotten over as a result, though that may not have been the case with a less devoted and motivated star.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
