After being booked as Stardust, a dejected Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016 and hit the independents before helping to launch AEW in 2019. For reasons that still aren't entirely clear, he left his role there as EVP and returned to WWE as a beloved hero who, after conquering the pro wrestling world, had finally returned home.
Since then, the American Nightmare has become the company's top babyface and is set to headline both nights of WrestleMania. First, he'll team up with Seth Rollins to battle The Rock and Roman Reigns before then squaring off with the latter on Night 2 for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
In a new interview, Rhodes revealed that, while he once planned to retire at 40 (he's currently 38), that's all changed after signing a new deal with WWE which will extend his in-ring career.
"I can tell you 40 is out of the question just because, not to give you scoop, it was widely reported, but I did sign a new contract with WWE," Rhodes explained. "It extends beyond my 40th birthday."
"The plan is still, when it's time to step out, to step out without it being a painful process," he continued, referencing his father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. "Solely because I saw my dad as an old man wrestler and he loved it and enjoyed it, but as his son it was hard to see."
"My daughter is two going on three, there does have to be a time, just like he was with us, where I have to be home all the time and be there with her. It's not 40 anymore. I'll update the number. I hit the prime run late in the game. I often forget that I'm nearing 40."
It's good to know that Rhodes plans to stick around, particularly as he's on a run which is close to cementing him as this generation's John Cena.
Check out the full interview below along with an updated card for WrestleMania (which takes place on April 7 and April 8).
Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Damage CTRL
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio
AJ Styles vs. LA Knight
Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
Women's Championship Match
IYO SKY vs. Bayley
Women's World Championship Match
Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch
United States Championship Match
Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
Intercontinental Championship Match
Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match
The Judgement Day vs. The New Day vs. New Catch Republic vs. Awesome Truth vs. DIY vs. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller
The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre w/Guest Commentator CM Punk
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes