As WrestleMania approaches this year, Cody Rhodes is on the verge of achieving a remarkable milestone: nearly one year without suffering a clean pin. This impressive record has solidified his status as one of WWE’s top stars, but it has also sparked a debate among fans about whether his current “Superman” persona truly resonates. While some applaud his resilience and storytelling, others, including myself, find this version of Cody Rhodes less convincing compared to past wrestling icons like Roman Reigns, John Cena, The Rock, The Undertaker, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar. There are several reasons why this iteration of Cody feels underwhelming, and they are worth exploring.

First and foremost, Cody Rhodes’ history as a jobber in WWE during his earlier years still lingers in the minds of long-time fans. For those of us who started watching WWE during that era, it’s hard to shake off the image of Cody as a mid-card talent who often lost matches to build up other stars. While his transformation into a main-event player is commendable, the shadow of his past still looms large. Unlike Roman Reigns or John Cena, who were positioned as dominant forces from the outset, Cody’s journey to the top feels more like a redemption arc. While redemption stories can be compelling, they don’t always translate into the same level of awe and dominance that fans associate with a true “Superman” figure.

Secondly, Cody’s physique and overall presentation lack the intimidating factor that many of his predecessors possessed. Let’s face it: wrestling is as much about visuals as it is about in-ring ability. Legends like Brock Lesnar and Triple H had larger-than-life physiques that screamed power and dominance. Even Roman Reigns, with his imposing stature and tribal chief persona, exudes an aura of invincibility. In contrast, Cody’s body type, while athletic, doesn’t carry the same level of intimidation. He doesn’t look like someone who could effortlessly overpower his opponents, which makes his “Superman” persona feel less believable. In a world where larger-than-life characters thrive, Cody’s relatively modest build works against him.

Lastly, Cody’s move set, while technically sound, lacks the sheer force and impact that fans associate with top-tier stars. His signature moves, such as the Cross Rhodes and the Cody Cutter, are effective but don’t carry the same level of devastation as, say, Roman’s Spear, Brock’s F-5, or The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver. When watching Cody in action, there’s a noticeable absence of that “wow” factor that makes you believe he can dominate anyone in the ring. This is particularly evident when compared to current stars like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, Gunther, Finn Bálor, and even CM Punk, all of whom have moves that feel more impactful and believable in the context of a high-stakes match.

These factors combined create a sense that Cody, while undoubtedly talented and hardworking, doesn’t quite measure up to the standard set by wrestling’s past and present “Supermen.” His near one-year streak without a clean pin is undoubtedly impressive, but it feels more like a product of careful booking rather than an organic reflection of his in-ring dominance. In other words, the streak feels manufactured rather than earned, which diminishes its impact.

That said, it’s important to acknowledge Cody’s strengths. His mic skills are top-notch, and his ability to connect with the audience is undeniable. He has a natural charisma that makes him easy to root for, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every match. However, these qualities alone aren’t enough to elevate him to the same level as the all-time greats. To truly cement his legacy as a “Superman” of WWE, Cody needs to address the gaps in his presentation and in-ring style. Whether that means bulking up, refining his move set, or adopting a more aggressive persona, there’s still room for improvement.

As WrestleMania approaches, all eyes will be on Cody Rhodes to see if he can maintain his streak and solidify his place among WWE’s elite. While his current run has been impressive on paper, it’s clear that there’s still work to be done to make his “Superman” persona feel as authentic and compelling as those who came before him. For now, the debate continues: is Cody Rhodes truly the face of WWE, or is he a talented star who still has a long way to go to reach the pantheon of wrestling’s greatest icons? Only time will tell.