Shawn Michaels Says Cody Rhodes Is the Right Flagbearer for WWE’s Future

Michaels went on to highlight Rhodes’s work ethic and leadership, adding that he will play a key role in shaping WWE’s future stars. According to HBK, the business is in good hands with Rhodes at the forefront.

When Cody [Rhodes] comes into the Performance Center, it’s very fortunate for us. He wants to pass it on to the next generation and echoes a lot of what we say. That’s a huge help and comfort to everyone in WWE. You know the business is in good hands moving into the future.

Shawn Michaels via Undisputed

HBK currently serves as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, overseeing the NXT brand since 2022. While Michaels sees Rhodes as the natural leader of WWE, Rhodes himself has credited the Hall of Famer for revitalizing NXT. In January 2024, Rhodes praised Michaels for breathing new life into the brand after its original stars moved up to the main roster, forcing a reset.

At the same time, ‘The American Nightmare’ continues to cement his own legacy. He is in his second reign as World Champion, having dethroned Cena in a five-star classic at SummerSlam. Recently, Rhodes stepped away from television to film his role as Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter reboot, set for release in October next year.

However, he is already confirmed to return by Wrestlepalooza, where he is expected to defend his title against Drew McIntyre. The Scottish star attacked Rhodes on SmackDown a few weeks ago, setting up the storyline that temporarily wrote the champion off TV.

Shawn Michaels talks about the opportunity to contribute to NXT

As already mentioned, Michaels is currently working as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Creative, and is leading the NXT brand. At 60 years old, HBK is grateful to be in a position where he can give back to the wrestling industry and help shape its future stars.

Although the Hall of Famer has worked behind the scenes for nearly a decade, he has taken on a bigger role running the brand since 2022. The transition from one of wrestling’s greatest in-ring performers to a key executive has been seamless, and he’s clearly passionate about his new responsibilities. In the same interview with Undisputed, he weighed in on the passion for his role. 

It’s a role I love. None of it feels like work for me. And if it helps the men and women here grow personally and professionally, then those are positives.

Shawn Michaels via Undisputed

Michaels compared working with NXT’s rising talent to offering guidance to one’s own children, using both the lessons of his Hall of Fame career and the perspective gained from his own struggles.

I’m supposed to be giving back, and I’m thankful that I can do it in a line of work that I know a lot about. It’s like sharing experiences and knowledge with your children. I understand the personal struggle that goes on during this. To not recognize that would be an injustice. I want to make sure we’re covering everything and do my part in trying to help them.

Shawn Michaels via Undisputed

Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Michaels was widely regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time. His classics against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 and 26, as well as his unforgettable bouts with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21 and Ric Flair at WrestleMania 24, are etched into wrestling history. It feels only fitting that a performer of his caliber is now guiding the next generation of superstars.