Cody Rhodes Reveals WWE’s New Locker Room Leader Following in The Undertaker’s Footsteps in 2025

Cody Rhodes names Randy Orton as the go-to person for young wrestlers in the locker room in 2025.

Cody Rhodes Reveals WWE’s New Locker Room Leader Following in The Undertaker’s Footsteps in 2025

Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and The Undertaker (via WWE)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Every organization runs best with a strong leader at the helm. In WWE, that role has traditionally been filled by a veteran with the experience, authority, and respect to guide the locker room and protect the interests of everyone in it. From the late 1990s until the end of his full-time career, The Undertaker was that figure. The Hall of Famer mentored younger talent, helped them understand the business, and wasn’t afraid to rein in those who stepped out of line.

For years, fans and wrestlers have compared the culture of Taker’s era to that of today’s generation. Recently, Cody Rhodes revealed that Randy Orton has inherited that role, calling him the modern-day Undertaker of the WWE locker room. 

During the latest episode of his ‘What Do You Want To Talk About?’ podcast, the reigning WWE Champion had Jelly Roll as a guest and shared that ‘The Apex Predator’ now fulfills the role that ‘The Deadman’ did for all these years. ‘The American Nightmare’ revealed that Orton is among the first people anyone turns to when a serious issue arises in the locker room. 

But I like the idea that you are talking about Randy Orton, who is currently, kind of, I don’t think Undertaker would dislike this. But he really has become the Undertaker of this locker room. If there was a real problem, probably going to go to Randy or Seth [Rollins].

Cody Rhodes via What Do You Want To Talk About podcast

To illustrate his point, Rhodes recalled visiting the WWE locker room when Taker was in charge and compared it to bringing young guests, like the late Luke Harper’s son, Brodie Lee Jr, who joined him at a couple of events, into today’s WWE locker room.

If there was somebody that I would tell you, little Brodie [Lee] might come to TV with me sometimes. I’ll tell little Brodie, ‘Hey, go tell hi to Randy.’ That’s the number one. Same way my brother, when the one time I came to a WWE show back in the day, said, ‘Hey, you want to go meet Undertaker?’ Not just a ‘You want to meet him?’ It’s part of the experience. You are in his locker room.

Cody Rhodes via What Do You Want To Talk About podcast

Rhodes has great regard for his mentor, and it certainly aligns with many recent accounts about Orton. Over the years, fans have seen ‘The Viper’ evolve from a self-admitted punk into a confident veteran willing to speak openly on almost any topic, making it easy to understand why his peers now look to him for guidance. 

From calling Kofi Kingston “stupid” to costing Mr. Kennedy his career, and now taking charge of the leader as a wise leader, the 14-time World Champion has come a long way. 

Cody Rhodes weighs in on being an integral part of John Cena’s farewell tour at SummerSlam

When it comes to locker room leaders, John Cena’s name is always in the conversation. Just days after his memorable SummerSlam clash with the 17-time world champion, Cody Rhodes reflected on what it meant to share the ring with Cena during his farewell tour. Speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Rhodes said he was “honored” to be part of Cena’s final run in WWE.

Cody Rhodes and John Cena
Cody Rhodes and John Cena (via WWE)

‘The American Nightmare’ has played a central role in the 2025 retirement tour. Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber came when he hit Rhodes with a low blow, setting the stage for their main-event showdown on the second night of WrestleMania 41. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Cena’s performance in their rematch impressed the new WWE Champion. For Rhodes, it felt like both a career-defining moment and a symbolic passing of the torch.

It’s John Cena and his final SummerSlam…to have a moment like that with them, that’s a stadium I’ll remember forever. It was one of those matches where you hear on commentary, ‘Oh, these two guys will never be the same.’ I’d say it was pretty apt in that match, with just some incredible bumps.

Cody Rhodes via ESPN

Rhodes ultimately left with the win and the gold, while Cena was left laid out by a returning Brock Lesnar. But ‘The Real Last Champion’ had nothing to be ashamed of.

To see John go at the pace he went at this point in his career, really just leaving his mark behind. This final run with him is really special. I could do it again. I think I have to do it again.

Cody Rhodes via ESPN

SummerSlam 2025 was WWE’s first-ever two-night SummerSlam and drew another record-breaking attendance. For Cena, it was his final appearance at the “Biggest Party of the Summer.” For Rhodes, it was an honor to help send off one of WWE’s all-time greats.

Also read: