Cody Rhodes tells skysports.com why he wants to restore the prestige of the Intercontinental title.
Catch our exclusive chat with WWE Superstar Cody
Both dashing and devious, WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes has been relentless in his pursuit of a long-lasting legacy.
The son of WWE Hall of Famer the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes is determined to make his own mark on sports entertainment and his capture of the Intercontinental Championship has seen the once-revered title become big news once again.
In an exclusive interview with
skysports.com, Rhodes explained why the championship must be restored to its rightful place as one of the most coveted in the industry.
He also spoke about his wrestling heroes, the protective mask he has been forced to wear in the ring and the WWE's forthcoming return to the UK.
Plus he let slip which crowds most need to have one of his infamous paper bags placed over their heads...
You've had a lot to say about the Intercontinental title, even bringing back the vintage white belt. Why do you feel that way?
CODY RHODES: I've had the opportunity to have a very open platform on how I feel about the Intercontinental title. I feel about it in the same way that a lot of fans have felt about it and I was glad that I could be honest about it. At one point it was probably the most revered title in the WWE and it was in the hands of some of the most revered Superstars and talents. Without getting too specific, somewhere in the last five or seven years it kind of got lost.That was why I decided to bring back the classic look of the title because there is also a classic feel that comes with it. That's the type of Intercontinental Champion I wanted to be.
Do you feel that the Intercontinental Championship will become a more significant title again?
CODY RHODES: It should say a lot to be Intercontinental Champion. Today it seems like the Money in the Bank Briefcase means something, but I kinda wanted to trump that with something that used to be that way. That's how I feel and it's on a definite upswing.
Who were your favourite Intercontinental title holders in years gone by?
CODY RHODES: My favourite wrestler to ever breathe was Shaun Michaels and I thought he was an excellent Intercontinental Champion, but I'd also have to say The Hitman Bret Hart did a great job with that title. The point anybody should be trying to capture and the high point for the Intercontinental Championship was Wembley Stadium and the sheer number of people watching Bret against Davey Boy Smith. As much as that was a personal issue, it was also about the Intercontinental Championship. Also I can't mention it without mentioning Roddy Piper. It's really the only title he ever held and I felt he should have held so many other titles. He put a great spin on it too.
Speaking of legends, has it been a help or a hindrance having the "legendary" Dusty Rhodes as your father?
CODY RHODES: It's been both. It's no secret that it's easier to get into the sports entertainment world when your father is a fixture there and somebody who did well. But as soon as you walk in the door and say "my last name is Rhodes", as is the case with any of the second or third generation talents who've had to do the same thing, you're immediately expected of something. I tried as hard as I can to get away from appearing like Dusty Rhodes Jr because even though that's great, to me it's just dredging up old memories. I'm all about making new experiences and
