Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Cody Rhodes Shares His Career Motivations Heading Into WrestleMania 41

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 8:21 PM ET

In wrestling, there's an old adage that the peak of every babyface story is in the chase. The fan favorite is at its best when overcoming adversity and rising to the occasion. That way, when their triumphant moment actually comes, it's much more rewarding.

Cody Rhodes' path to the top spanned various promotions over numerous years and blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Then, at WrestleMania 41, he finished his story, slaying Roman Reigns and finally capturing the Undisputed WWE title. Rhodes accomplished his lifelong dream in front of a record gate and is the face of a global company. It's easy to get complacent in that position, but the 39-year-old revealed what continues to drive his professional hunger.

During a recent episode of Pardon My Take, Rhodes explained his current motivations. "So many people in WWE have done so much for me that I feel like I have to keep going," Rhodes said. "My dad never got one WrestleMania main event, and now this is the fourth one for me, and the third headline match going on last. It's like a drug, though—I just need to find a way to get to another one."

You can see the unwavering passion for the business passed down by his late father. Rhodes clearly desires to be an all-time great and has a profound respect for everyone around him.

Sure, he had help getting his foot in the door, but there are plenty of second- or third-generation superstars who are flops. Rhodes earned his place on the card and looks ready to continue this legendary run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: