Former Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes doesn't often volunteer praise for the wrestlers who might one day take his spot. However, when it comes to Bron Breakker, he made an exception. Appearing on ESPN's Unsportsmanlike, Rhodes shared a remarkably candid endorsement of the rising star.
I didn't think this at first, and I don't mean this with any disrespect, but I do think it now: he's the future of WWE," Rhodes said. "He's definitely someone that we're positioning to be there as we go — main event WrestleMania potentially, win a WWE title, all these things.
Rhodes compared Breakker's current stage to a franchise quarterback in his rookie year — raw, electric, and still acclimating to everything that comes with being on the biggest platform in the sport.
I already know this guy's probably going to beat me at some point down the road, but at least I'm going to enjoy this period of time where he's just — he's amazing," Rhodes said. "Let's make him buy in and get acclimated.
The Succession Question: Who's the Next Triple H?
Rhodes also waded into a conversation that's increasingly hard to ignore — what happens when the next generation of stars eventually move from the ring to the front office? Rhodes named himself, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins as the three most credible candidates to one day step into a leadership role.
CM Punk is really great at helping develop young talent — he probably has a knack for it more than anybody," Rhodes said. "Seth Rollins is a little bit more rough around the edges, but would probably be an outstanding boss when it comes down to it.
As for his own candidacy, Rhodes was characteristically honest.
I'd love to throw my name in the hat. I don't know if I'm ready to do it officially yet," he said. "It's not always easy booking the industry. Triple H is doing a great job, so thankfully we have him for quite some time.
For now, Rhodes is focused on the present — but it's clear he's already thinking about the long game, both for himself and for the stars coming up behind him. He is currently aiming to win the Men's Elimination Chamber match to earn a shot at Drew McIntyre's title at WrestleMania 42.
