2016 saw Cody Rhodes walk away from the WWE after years of stagnation playing Stardust. However, he would team up with The Young Bucks to create AEW, a new venture into pro wrestling. But in 2022, at WrestleMania 38, The American Dream would return to the Stamford-based promotion. Today, the Universal Champion is the top babyface and hottest star in the industry. One WWE insider claims he’s bigger than Hulk Hogan or Brock Lesnar.

Since his return to the company, Rhodes has engaged fans in his storyline, especially between WrestleMania 39 and 40. But how does this compare to the line of works of the yesteryear stars?

Dave Meltzer puts Cody Rhodes above Hulk Hogan, Brock Lesnar, and Stone Cold Steve Austin

Dave Meltzer has been a rather polarizing figure in the wrestling community. While some fans love his work and insight on the Wrestling Observer, others do not. In a recent segment on his podcast, F4WOnline, he touched on the impact Rhodes has had. He said, “Kind of an awe of it really of just how good he is.” He went on to compare his second babyface run to some of the biggest names in the company.

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Meltzer said, “You know John Cena, you know it’s nothing like this. Roman Reigns, when they tried to make him a baby face, was nothing like this.” Along with these two, the wrestling journalist also mentioned the greats, like Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar. Furthermore, Meltzer talked about the profits the company made with Rhodes at house shows.

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He continued, “Some quarters you lose a little bit about money. It’s basically a break even business and he, you know basically turned that whole thing around.” Meltzer also explained what aspect of Rhodes’ second run in the company engaged fans so much.

Meltzer breaks down the reason behind the popularity of The American Nightmare

Dave Meltzer said, “None of them are anything like him. And he is a unique character but he is an effective as h*ll character.” Many wrestling critics and experts have pinpointed that Cody Rhodes’ claim to fame came after WrestleMania 39. Since his run as the underdog against Reigns and his feud with Brock Lesnar, his popularity has skyrocketed. His intent to complete the story his father failed to fulfill struck a chord with the wrestling faithful. This even propelled the WWE to change their initial plans for WrestleMania.

The former AEW star’s popularity reached such heights that fans made the company change Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson vs Reigns into Rhodes vs Reigns at Mania XL. What do you think about The American Nightmare’s character? Do you think Dave Meltzer’s words ring true? Tell us down below.

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