As Cody Rhodes ponders his long-term future in professional wrestling, he says that keeping the Rhodes name does not matter to him.
Since leaving WWE last spring, Rhodes has appeared on camera for Impact and Ring Of Honor, as well as New Japan Pro Wrestling, but has been referred to as "Cody" for all of his televised appearances because the Rhodes name is considered the intellectual property of WWE.
“I’ll tell you this, and I’ve not told anyone this, but I don’t mind that WWE took away my last name," Rhodes said during an interview for Sports Illustrated's "Extra Mustard" feature. "Deep down, in my bones, I definitely want it back – and I have plans to get it back – but there is something to being Cody. The longer I don’t have a last name, the more I’m OK with it. That’s not to say WWE is holding it ransom. It’s literally an intellectual property law that easily can be remedied, but there is something about being Cody that I don’t mind."
Rhodes, who has appeared simultaneously on Impact and ROH programming while also joining the Bullet Club in New Japan, told SI he plans to make a decision soon about his long-term future in wrestling.
“It’s been really fun to cross all the streams, but at this point, I do need to find a new home," he said. "That is going to limit all the distance I cover, which includes the work I’ve done with companies like Limitless, Defy, and All Pro Wrestling – there is even a company in Kolkoska, Michigan where I’m wrestling that is called ‘Mr. Chainsaw’. If you see my name on a card and you’re a fan, come on out. I’m not sure how much longer it will be until I’m no longer able to roam around.”
Rhodes appears for Wrestlemerica, an independent promotion in Georgia run by current WWE wrestler Luke Gallows, this Saturday, where he will face Jimmy Havoc. Rhodes also is set to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling next month, where he will take on David Finlay, Jr.
Click here to read the full article on Cody.
