38-year-old Superstar becomes the top merchandise seller for WWE in 2023, just after returning in 2022: Reports

Cody Rhodes is the estimated top merchandise selling superstar for the year 2023 by surpassing major WWE names.

38-year-old Superstar becomes the top merchandise seller for WWE in 2023, just after returning in 2022: Reports

Top WWE Merchandise seller in 2023 (via Ringside News and Cultaholic)

WWE’s business has been thriving from all sides. The company has been reaping an all-time high profit rate since the Attitude Era. From sold-out PPVs to increased merchandise sales, the company is on a tear. However, there is one superstar who has undeniably contributed to the commercial success of the company. The superstar in question is Cody Rhodes, who was reportedly the #1 merchandise seller in 2023.

Recently, WrestleOps, a wrestling-based handle on X, dropped the list of the top 10 merchandise sellers of the year 2023 via wrestlenomics. In the aforementioned list, Cody Rhodes has surpassed several renowned WWE names to rank as the #1 merchandise seller. The American Nightmare is the estimated top merchandise seller for the year 2023.

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The 38-year-old has left behind the likes of Steve Austin, Roman Reigns, and John Cena, who are arguably the biggest draws in WWE history. The American Nightmare has accomplished this astounding feat despite not winning a major championship since his return in 2022. While Rhodes topped the list, LA Knight, another rising babyface of the company, found himself at the #5 position.

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Cody Rhodes made his shocking return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 as the mystery opponent of Seth Rollins. This marked Rhodes’ first-ever appearance in WWE in over five years. Nonetheless, it is commendable that the 38-year-old has cemented his place as the ultimate babyface in WWE in a mere span of a year and a half. Rhodes’ unabating momentum continues to maximize every single day.

Cody Rhodes shares his thoughts on the imminent retirement of AEW veteran Sting

A couple of weeks ago on Dynamite, WCW and AEW legend Sting addressed his impending retirement from professional wrestling. The 64-year-old announced that he would work his last match at AEW Revolution 2024. Recently, in an interview, Cody Rhodes opened up about the looming retirement of the Icon.

Sting and Cody Rhodes
Sting and Cody Rhodes (via Wrestling News)

Speaking in an interview with Sports Illustrated, The American Nightmare reflected on the forthcoming retirement of the AEW veteran. The 38-year-old reiterated that he was offered a match against Sting. However, the planned match never materialized. In 2022, Rhodes eventually departed AEW to return to WWE.

The last match I was offered in AEW was that match, it wasn’t confirmed or anything like that, but just the little I had to do with his debut there is a wonderful memory. I was a little Stinger. Maybe I’ll pull out a Stinger Splash in his honor. Seriously, cheers to a wonderful career.
Cody Rhodes about Sting’s retirement on SI

Moreover, Sting and Cody Rhodes shared the ring in a promo segment from 2020, but the two never got an opportunity to do a program together. Furthermore, he lauded the legendary wrestler for his illustrious career. On the flip side, Cody Rhodes continues his path of unrelenting glory as the superstar defeated Damian Priest in a fast-paced singles bout at Crown Jewel.

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