Not Roman Reigns or CM Punk! This 39-year-old is the biggest WWE star today
39-year-old star is reigning supreme as the top WWE star today, setting the bar higher than Roman Reigns or CM Punk.
Follow Us
Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk (via WWE)
Roman Reigns and CM Punk are two of WWE’s biggest stars, known for their undeniable charisma and larger-than-life presence. However, at 39, Cody Rhodes has cemented himself at the top of the sports entertainment industry. With two WrestleMania main events under his belt and a third on the horizon, The American Nightmare stands as WWE’s biggest star today.
With his relatable presence, Rhodes has built a deep connection with the WWE Universe. His ability to carry a golden smile through every setback makes him someone fans can look up to. This natural babyface appeal has solidified him as a fan favorite. Whether it’s merchandise sales or live crowd reactions, the 39-year-old stands toe-to-toe with some of the all-time greats.
Since his return, The American Nightmare has been the driving force behind WWE, masterfully weaving storytelling into his journey. What started as a mission to “Finish the Story” has evolved into a narrative of resilience—carrying WWE through every challenge. This compelling arc has elevated Rhodes to a level of emotional investment that even Reigns and Punk have yet to reach.
Cody Rhodes and John Cena face to face pic.twitter.com/k51r0nnjWS
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) March 17, 2025
Moreover, Rhodes has referred to himself as “the Quarterback” of WWE, and there’s truth to that. Triple H clearly trusts him, consistently positioning The American Nightmare as the face of the company. From headlining major events to being featured on promotional posters, WWE has repeatedly showcased him as its top star.
Cody Rhodes has been the cornerstone of WWE’s booming period
When stars like Roman Reigns, John Cena, and The Rock are on hiatus, Cody Rhodes is outperforming more than anyone. Showing the true spirit of a workhorse, Rhodes has outlasted anyone in his league. Since Rhodes’ return, WWE has gotten their main character to build their story around. Initially, it was supposed to be Reigns, but WWE Universe straight-up rejected him.
Fans have embraced The Prodigal Son with open arms, and it’s not just in the storyline—it’s reflected in merchandise sales as well. Since his return, Rhodes has consistently ranked among WWE’s top sellers, outperforming even the biggest names. In 2024, The American Nightmare topped the merchandise charts, surpassing stars like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and even John Cena.
2023 & 2024 WWEShop top sellers:
— WrestleSeek (@WrestleSeek) November 21, 2024
#1 & #2 Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns 🔥 pic.twitter.com/P9cZZLHR7g
Not just in 2024, but Rhodes also dominated merchandise sales in 2023. These numbers speak for themselves, cementing his status as WWE’s biggest superstar right now. Despite being at the top for over two years, his momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The Rock and John Cena turned heel because Cody Rhodes was an even bigger babyface
Cody Rhodes’ journey has been filled with betrayal, both in storyline and reality. Interestingly, WWE’s biggest stars, like The Rock and John Cena, turned heel while sharing the spotlight with The American Nightmare. This shift worked because, whenever they were in the ring with Rhodes, the crowd’s cheers for them were minimal in comparison.
It’s a testament to just how beloved Cody Rhodes is—outshining even icons like The Brahma Bull and The Cenation Leader as WWE’s top babyface. When The Final Boss took Rhodes’ spot against Roman Reigns last year, the backlash from fans was so intense that it practically forced him to turn heel.
Fast forward to this year, and even the mere rumors of a Cody vs. Cena match at WrestleMania sparked a divided reaction among fans—despite Cena being WWE’s ultimate babyface for over two decades. It led to The Franchise Player’s eventual heel turn.
Furthermore, WWE has repeatedly had to turn its top babyfaces heel just to fit the story with Rhodes. Stars like AJ Styles and Kevin Owens have undergone major character shifts while feuding with him. On top of that, The American Nightmare consistently delivers high-caliber performances, rarely having an average match since his return.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)