Every Look Of Cody Rhodes' Wrestling Career, Ranked Worst To Best

Cody Rhodes has always taken his art very seriously, looking to make whatever character he was portraying slightly different and important at the same time. Never one to stay the same and become stale, the American Nightmare has always aimed to look the part, showcasing an element of style that has made him appear as a top star.

Every Cody Rhodes WWE PLE Match In 2023, Ranked

Cody Rhodes might've failed to finish his story in 2023, but he still had some awesome matches at WWE's premium live events during the year.

Looking the part is important in professional wrestling, and Rhodes certainly tapped into that. Not all of his looks have ended up being memorable over the years, but the fact he has been able to constantly keep switching things up is one reason why audiences have appreciated him so much.

10 His Rookie Run Was Lacking In Detail

Cody Rhodes Didn't Have Anything Special At This Point

He debuted on Raw against Randy Orton
His first match was in 2007
Rhodes kept the same look during his partnership with Hardcore Holly

Most wrestlers develop specific characters and looks as they go on in professional wrestling, and that was certainly the case for Cody Rhodes. He got to debut on the main roster at a young age, and while he was able to perform well inside the ring, he certainly didn't appear like a major star.

Rhodes had a very generic aesthetic at this point as he was evidently just focusing on getting his foot in the door. He would appear with just trunks, and while he'd switch up the colors, it was a very basic look.

9 His Rhodes Scholars Run Saw Him Add Facial Hair

He Brought In A Mustache

The partnership lasted 10 months
They would eventually feud over the Money In The Bank briefcase
Rhodes added facial hair at this point

Cody Rhodes' tag team run alongside Damien Sandow was one that had a lot of potential to last much longer, but WWE ended up rushing the two of them feuding against each other. However, the Rhodes Scholars did see Rhodes switch up his appearance.

10 Wrestlers Cody Rhodes Surprisingly Never Faced In A Major Match

Cody Rhodes has had many epic encounters with some of the best wrestlers in the world, but these competitors have somehow escaped him in major bouts!

He brought out a slightly longer coat for his entrances, but the big change was the fact he added facial hair. Rhodes had a mustache at this point, and while he deserves credit for his effort, the look itself didn't suit him.

8 Cody Rhodes Didn't Have A Great Look In His Legacy Run

He Kept Things Very Bland Here

Rhodes primarily teamed with Ted DiBiase Jr.
He kept his look simple at this point
The faction lasted over a year

Cody Rhodes being part of the Legacy faction was one of the greatest runs of his career as it took him from being a young upcoming talent to a major star. Working under Randy Orton was perfect for him, and in terms of his overall development, this was a good move.

However, unlike many wrestling factions Legacy never truly had a look. While Rhodes appeared more polished at this point in his career, he still wasn't catching the eye like he later would.

7 His Independent Run Saw Him Switch His Look

He Started Wearing Longer Pants

Rhodes began wearing longer pants on the independent scene
He started leaning into wearing suits at this point for promos
He bulked up at this point

For the majority of Cody Rhodes' initial WWE run, he opted to wear trunks, but that's something that changed when he departed the company. Working on the independent scene he started wearing longer pants, and there was a lot more detail placed into the attire itself.

Rhodes went all out to try and make himself look different from his WWE career. This included bulking up and adding more size, but the decision to wear longer pants did look better and suited him more.

6 Cody Rhodes' Bullet Club Run Was Strong

He Was Able To Enjoy The Merchandise Sales

This came via his connection with The Elite
They regularly showcased themselves on Being The Elite
Their merch ended up in Hot Topic

Being part of the Bullet Club was a big moment for Cody Rhodes as it allowed him to be part of the hottest faction in the business at that point. The faction didn't all appear in matching ring gear, but they did have similar looks, particularly when it came to the merchandise.

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Bullet Club and the following wrestlers would have been a match made in wrestling heaven!

That is how they would normally appear, all wearing the branded t-shirts which helped them look unified. It was a great look, with Rhodes often working hard with his ring gear at the same time.

5 Cody Rhodes Became Dashing

He Leant Heavily On His Looks

The gimmick lasted seven months
This came post-Legacy for Rhodes
He also teamed with Drew McIntyre at this time

Cody Rhodes is a good-looking man, and leaning into that was a wise move for him during his initial WWE run. It's something that many wrestlers have done over the years, and Rhodes opted to do the same which brought him instant heat.

He added a jacket to his look, and Rhodes would take the time to make sure he was well groomed, and that guaranteed that he looked good whenever he performed as that was the purpose of the character.

4 Cody Rhodes Knows How To Suit Up

It's A Look He Reserves For Promo Segments

It helped with his EVP role in AEW
Rhodes has provided a businessman appearance
He has brought it into WWE

Every wrestler has their own look regarding being 'dressed down,' as far as not wearing wrestling gear. For some it's a piece of merch, for others it's jeans and a tank top. However, when it comes to Cody Rhodes he opted to wear some of the finest suits ever seen in a wrestling ring for his promo segments.

While he can't wrestle a match in this look, what it does do is give him a certain aura of a top star, and the fact he carries himself in that manner does translate with fans.

3 Stardust Provided Something Completely Different

Cody Rhodes Went All In On To Make This Work

Rhodes added face paint here
He channeled his look after Goldust
It was his last gimmick during his first WWE run

The Stardust character is one that certainly lasted too long, and is something that neither fans or Cody Rhodes enjoyed by the end. However, when it came to just the look of this gimmick there can be no denying the fact that it was one of Rhodes' best looks.

He went all out to try and get the character over, and the ring gear combined with the face paint and contact lenses allowed him to stand out on the roster and look like a top character.

2 Cody Rhodes Became The Undashing One

He Added A Mask To His Presentation

The gimmick started after he broke his nose
Rhodes would use the mask as a weapon in matches
Rhodes would use paper bags to cover up fans' faces at ringside

Cody Rhodes being legitimately injured allowed him to change his gimmick during his Dashing character as a broken nose opened up a creative door. This proved to be a great decision because the Undashing character was a great one, and it also allowed for a fresh look that people enjoyed.

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Cody Rhodes (& 9 More Of The Worst Tattoos In Wrestling History)

Tattoos are pretty prevalent in the wrestling industry, but these pieces of ink are probably the worst in history.

The clear mask that Rhodes wore at this point looked great and also helped push the psychological aspect of the gimmick. He also wore a lot of suits here as well as the jacket with the huge hood to cover his face, all of which worked well to create a fantastic look.

1 Becoming The American Nightmare Led To A Main Event Run

The 'Homelander' Jacket Has Proven To Be Popular

He started this look in AEW
Rhodes continued his American Nightmare branding in WWE
Rhodes puts together special details for major events such as his camouflaged gear at Survivor Series: WarGames

Out of all of Cody Rhodes' looks, it has been his American Nightmare character that provided the greatest look. This was something that he started doing during his time in AEW, putting together a look that has drawn comparisons to the character Homelander, particularly because of his jackets.

Adding the weight belts that he could give away to the fans has been a nice touch, but it truly is the jackets and ring attire that have added further details. It provided a true main event feel to Rhodes, which was arguably the last puzzle piece he was missing.

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