10 Superstars Most Responsible For WWE's New Boom Period
3. Cody Rhodes
People speculated just how Cody Rhodes would be received when he returned to WWE. Would Vince McMahon embarrass him as a major middle finger to AEW? When Triple H took the top job, would he want to humble Cody for the digs he made at his expense? Would the fans see him as anything more than the atrocious Stardust?
Fans should never have worried.
Portrayed as the biggest star in the world upon his return, Cody's aura was lightening in a bottle and it was only bolstered by his unfortunate pec tear in the spring of last year. Brave and foolish in equal measure, he gave fans an extraordinary performance at Hell in a Cell, thus cementing himself as the new people's champion and the clear heir to John Cena's throne.
The proof is in the stats with Cody. He generates a ridiculous amount through merchandise. He sells out buildings. He increases TV ratings. What seemed to sour the AEW fans on him has only strengthened his bond with the WWE Universe, and he receives a heros welcome every single time he walks out.
Should he have finished his story at WrestleMania? Probably. But his popularity means the entire fanbase will be with him until he finally does.