Cody Rhodes reveals update about his eventual retirement

Cody Rhodes. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Cody Rhodes reveals update about his eventual retirement

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 7, 2026 9:08 PM ET

Ever since his return to the company at WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes has arguably been the face of WWE.

Rhodes, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, was the Undisputed WWE Champion during an extremely popular time for WWE from mid-2024 to the end of that year. He's been important the regrowth of popularity for professional wrestling over the last five or so years.

During a recent episode of the "Flagrant Podcast" Rhodes revealed how he intends to finish his professional wrestling career.

Cody Rhodes says he will retire as a WWE superstar

The former Undisputed WWE Champion revealed that he intends to retire from in-ring competition as a WWE Superstar, having just recently signed a new contract with the company.

Rhodes also said that there may be a non-wrestling role for him in WWE when his newest contract expires, but those would be conversations for when that time comes.

BREAKING: Cody Rhodes revealed that he has re-signed with WWE & will retire with the company. pic.twitter.com/6Nkkp3Sd1w
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) October 7, 2026

Cody Rhodes has had a wild career in professional wrestling

Rhodes broke into the WWE in 2007 and spent nine years there before being released. It didn't take long for him to find his footing, as he soon emerged as a top star in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring of Honor (ROH).

It was in 2019 when Rhodes really made his mark in the professional wrestling landscape, as he was one of the co-founders of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). AEW became the first real competitor to WWE in quite some time, and Rhodes was a driving force behind that.

Ultimately, Rhodes' time in AEW came to an end in 2022, and that is when he made a return to WWE after over half a decade away.

Cody Rhodes talks about leaving AEW and how he felt disrespected.

“There’s clearly bad blood, but there’s also clearly respect — Feeling disrespected at something I built — Feeling disrespected there I wouldn’t stand for it.”

(via @ringer)

pic.twitter.com/MWfo2KDNYp
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) July 31, 2025

A retirement in WWE is fitting for Cody Rhodes

It is quite fitting that Rhodes is going to retire in the same company where his dad, Dusty, is a Hall of Famer and one of the most beloved superstars of all-time.

It will be interesting to see how the final years of Rhodes' in-ring career play out and see just what type of role he plays in WWE after he's retired from in-ring competition.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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