Roman Reigns had some of the highest praise possible for Cody Rhodes while discussing who truly has what it takes to carry WWE. The current World Heavyweight Champion said only Rhodes has been able to take on that responsibility after Reigns himself and John Cena.
Reigns told Complex in a recent interview that reaching that level takes years of consistency, durability and dedication. He pointed to his own career and Cena’s as examples.
“As it’s been shown with John and then also with me. It takes a decade or so.
Can you perform every single time and then deliver when you’re asked? Can you do it when you’re tired Can you do it when you’re sick? Can you do it when you’re hungover after WrestleMania?
Can you carry the banner for this company? This is a billion-dollar machine. It’s not easy.
There’s only been one who’s been able to carry that banner, and that’s been Cody.”
Roman Reigns praises Cody Rhodes, saying he’s the only wrestler who has been able to “carry the banner” for WWE after Reigns and John Cena.
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) September 23, 2026
“As it’s been shown with John and then also with me, it takes a decade or so.
“Can you perform every single time and then deliver when… pic.twitter.com/Rf7uJr7qlh
Reigns called The Rock an exception whose rise is unlikely to ever be repeated. As for his own future, Reigns believes he has “a couple to a few years” of stories left to tell in WWE before he scales back his in-ring schedule for good.
Reigns, who won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, is set to defend the title against LA Knight at Money in the Bank on Oct. 10.
Outside WWE, Reigns and Rhodes are also castmates in “Street Fighter,” which is set to open in U.S. theaters on Oct. 16. Reigns plays Akuma, and Rhodes plays Guile.