Former champion shuts down retirement and free agency rumors
Summary
– Cody Rhodes says his next WWE contract will be his last
– He confirms he has no plans to leave WWE again
– Rhodes believes he is still performing at his peak at 40
Cody Rhodes has drawn a clear line regarding his future in professional wrestling. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, the former Undisputed WWE Champion addressed speculation about retirement and contract talks without hesitation.
Rhodes stated that while he does not have a specific timeline for stepping away, he knows one thing for sure. The next contract he signs with WWE will be the final deal of his in-ring career. He made it clear there will be no departure and no search for opportunities elsewhere once that agreement is in place.
After leaving WWE years ago and rebuilding his name across the wrestling world before making a high-profile return, Rhodes now sees his career coming full circle. He indicated that his story will end where it currently stands, inside a WWE ring.
At 40, Rhodes does not believe he is slowing down. He argued that the modern era has changed how age impacts performance. He pointed to top names such as Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk as examples of veterans still operating at an elite level.
Rhodes remains focused on the present as well. He is set to compete inside the Elimination Chamber with a WrestleMania 42 title opportunity on the line. The field includes Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso, with the winner facing Drew McIntyre in a championship match.
Even with high-stakes matches ahead, Rhodes is thinking long term. His message was direct and firm. When the time comes to sign his next deal, it will mark the final chapter of a career he intends to finish under the WWE banner.
