The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

IT has been just over two years since Cody Rhodes decided to leave WWE and test himself on a worldwide scene, and there’s no denying that it has been a huge success for him.

Son of the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, and former WWE Intercontinental Champion, he is an integral part of three major companies:

Ring of Honour, New Japan Pro Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance

Cody has been able to up his profile in a major way.

Cody has been a focal point of every promotion he’s been in, and isn’t going to be giving up that spotlight anytime soon.

On Sunday, Rhodes became a double-champ after winning NJPW’s US Championship from Juice Robinson.

The match was fantastic from the opening walkout to the finish, and it solidified Rhodes’ place as one of the most entertaining figures in wrestling today.

Further proof of this, Rhodes managed to fit himself into a three-way match for the IWGP Championship on the promotions next PPV event.

Another testament to how talented he is, Cody has been able to seamlessly work as a fan favourite or ‘face’ in most of his matches in the US as of late, all while effortlessly playing up his evil characteristics and cocky attitude as a ‘heel’ when going up against other ‘faces’ such as Juice Robinson.

What’s so impressive is how effortlessly Cody pulls it off. A refreshing outlet to what we’ve seen in most of American pro wrestling, where constant character turns are a result of bad storylines and bookings.

Like his father before him, Cody has given his character a unique charisma that allows him to run the full gambit.

Rhodes manages to do one thing better than everyone else in Ring of Honour, New Japan Pro Wrestling and the NWA, and that is entertain! This constant character work is what separates Cody Rhodes from so many wrestlers.

His in-ring talents are highly respected but in addition to that, just like his hall of fame father, Cody can cut a great promo or interview.

His charisma is off the charts, but more importantly Rhodes has proven that there is a life outside of WWE for performers if they choose to test and market themselves creatively and effectively.

Nobody else is having this sort of impact on the pro wrestling business as a whole, on the indie circuit or the major companies, and it’s refreshing to watch unfold.

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1.Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net