WWE's surging success has earned a new name for the modern era

When you think of professional wrestling, the "attitude" era is often at the forefront of your mind. Superstars such as The Rock, The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane and Mankind helped bring wrestling into the mainstream. Not only that, they helped cement it within pop culture lore. 

Since AEW was launched, the wrestling industry has experienced a surge in popularity, quality and competition. Suddenly, there are two elite promotions with amazing talents throughout their rosters, leading WWE to scale new heights. 

Cody Rhodes has been a revelation since returning to the company in 2022, with the Bloodline story having been exceptionally enthralling. The Rock's return to WWE programming has also seen ratings skyrocket and ticket sales reach a fever pitch. 

With so much exciting stuff happening in WWE, it's only right that the current era gets a name. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Rhodes revealed that he's heard the current era called the "renaissance era." 

"I’ve heard it coined as 'the renaissance era,' and I really like that outlook on it," Rhodes said. "For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did — and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business."

WWE is closing in on potentially their biggest-ever show with WrestleMania 40. It's an event that could define the genuine emergence of a new era, especially in terms of nostalgic discussions in the future. 

Given Rhodes' importance to the company since his return and the fact he's recently inked a new contract, it's only fitting that he's the one to reveal how the new era is being coined. He's earned that right. And "the renaissance era" is the most fitting moniker the company could have asked for.