Cody Rhodes might be WWE’s Undisputed Champion, but even he has to follow some of the rules.
There’s no doubt that the “American Nightmare” is one of the company’s top stars and therefore, it’s fair to assume that he has a lot of freedom and influence backstage.
Rhodes is WWE’s top star but there are still rules he has to followGetty
But there’s still one thing WWE still won’t allow him to do – and it’s all thanks to John Cena.
“When I went away and came back I was allowed to bring everything back with me, including breaking a lot of the pre-existing rules,” Rhodes told SPORTbible.
“You know, what’s still a pretty big on-air rule but it’s good for production purposes, is not to talk into the camera.
“That’s John’s thing. John looks at the camera and mentions Stu the cameraman, runs to the ring.
“I don’t want to see anyone, including myself, do it – and I probably have done at some point.
“But that’s his [thing] and that’s the reason why it’s a rule – until somebody beats him and then it’s his.”
While Cena is not a regular feature on WWE TV these days, his impact on the current roster is clear to see.
As Rhodes mentioned, his entrance is iconic, and one of a kind.
Fans should also be savouring Cena’s appearances, especially after he confirmed he will be embarking on a retirement tour in 2025.
The 16-time world champion made the surprise announcement during an appearance at Money in the Bank in Canada over the summer.
Cena announced his retirement tour at Money in the BankGetty
He thanked fans for “letting me play in the house that you built for so many years” and in a press conference later in the night, said he intended to remain part of the WWE family in some capacity despite feeling “at my end” physically.
While he has not confirmed which events he will be present for, Cena has teased that he has freed up “a large section of time” in 2025 to perform for WWE.
“[It’s] not bittersweet for me it’s going to be fun,” he said in August.
“I’m so grateful that I’m in a position where I still have my health, and I’m able to carve out a large section of time and perform for a year from January until December and give everyone also a heads up.
“This is my way for an audience that has made me who I am after 22 to 23 years of investment to say hey I’m going to give you six months that’s your warning, and then in January we’re going on tour and then in December I’m hanging them up.”
Once Cena steps away from the ring, it’s unclear if the rule of talking into the camera will be lifted.
Cena has promised to remain part of the WWE family after his retirementWWE
As Rhodes said, it could be up to WWE stars to beat Cena to earn that privilege.
If that’s the case, they may want to get in line and volunteer themselves for a match on the retirement tour.
