5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (18 Sept - Results & Review)

Ups...

5. “Uncompromised” Cody Rhodes Sits Down

Cody Rhodes sat down with Michael Cole for one of those solemn, serious interviews that pop up every so often. Footage was shown of his inability to punt Randy Orton at SNME, which cost Rhodes. Cody then said that he’s had so much success since returning to WWE because he’s stayed true to who he is despite all of the noise about his “morality”. He even sneaked Paul Heyman’s name in there by complimenting the ex-ECW kingpin for spotting something in him few others could.

That’s interesting, because Rhodes had previously borrowed Heyman’s “not a prediction that’s a spoiler” line on SmackDown too. Personally, yours truly still thinks this is heading towards a heel turn, but the cracks in Cody’s psyche when asked about whether he’s turning to the dark side worked here. They didn’t go too over the top. They don’t need to. Rhodes is letting the story breathe.

To further add to the intrigue, Corey Graves asked Cole about the interview afterwards, and Michael said it amazes him what people will say off camera compared to on. When Graves asked him to elaborate, Cole moved on quickly. Those on socials will know that Triple H posted a post-chat clip of Rhodes standing up with a cold look in his eye, then telling MC that he wouldn't hesitate to punt Orton the next time.

This was all handled deftly, and it shows a sinister side to Cody's personality. On camera, he tries to be WWE's babyface hero. Off it, there's menace seeping through. The constant Heyman name-dropping and referencing is worth keeping a beady eye on as well.