10 Times Wrestlers Took Their Careers Into Their Own Hands
5. Cody
Cody is one hell of a worker. There is no disputing that. Though excellent when paired with the correct opponent, even his staunchest admirers know, realistically, that he doesn't occupy the the upper reaches of any Best In The World lists.
But it doesn't matter. The man is absolutely sensational - in the modern era, perhaps unparalleled - at convincing people otherwise. He is often credited with restoring the value of the Intercontinental Championship. In reality, all he did was dust off the old design. He wrestled no classics to the level of a Randy Savage, or a Bret Hart. He simply understood the historical affection towards the beautiful old belt, and travelled a proper worker's shortcut to relevance.
His very exit from WWE generated goodwill because he cast himself in the humble guise of his father, eager to master the eclectic reaches of his craft. His transition from respectful lodger to respected patriarch of the Indy circuit was seamless. Breaking all rules of storytelling, Cody is the master of telling, not showing. Cody heads into 2018 as the most over Ring Of Honor regular, and one of the most influential performers of the modern era.
He is one hell of a worker.