Ahead of 2025, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes talks balancing fatherhood and wrestling's biggest stage

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — As Cody Rhodes continues his dominant reign as WWE's undisputed champion through the end of 2024, he's not just reflecting on his professional accomplishments but also looking ahead to more personal goals for 2025.

2024 was a year of monumental triumph for "The American Nightmare." In April, he finished his "story," shorthand for completing his goal of bringing the WWE's grandest prize to the Rhodes family. It was a deeply personal victory for Cody and one that had yet to be met by one of wrestling's royal families. His veteran brother, Dustin, also known as Goldust, had reached great heights in the industry but had never won the WWE championship, and neither had his legendary father, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. However, he did hold the title belt physically before relinquishing it due to professional wrestling conventions.

For Cody, winning the championship wasn't just about adding another accolade to his resume; it was about fulfilling a promise he made to himself as an 8-year-old when he discovered his father had held the belt, but not won the prize. He did exactly that at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, pinning Roman Reigns, the longest-reigning champion in 35 years, in a victory that cemented his legacy.

2025: From Championship to Fatherhood

With this crowning achievement behind him, Rhodes revealed that his focus in 2025 would continue to be family, but not in pursuit of championship belts. Instead, his focus would be more personal: a little girl named Liberty.

"The first task and the number one job is... fatherhood and being a papa," Rhodes said. "So in 2025, I just have to be better than I was in 2024."

Cody and his wife Brandi are first-time parents to their daughter Liberty, who will turn four years old just a few days after he takes the ring at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

WrestleMania 41: Surprises and the Final Run of a Legend

WrestleMania 41 will be the first time professional wrestling's most prominent event bows in the city since 1993, when Hulk Hogan surprised the world and returned to defeat the dominant Yokozuna for the championship. After 32 years, Rhodes said surprises still rule the day in professional wrestling, especially regarding WrestleMania 41.

"I always tell people you're probably looking at unexpected; you're probably looking at avenues you didn't think we'd take, [and] matches you never imagined would happen," Rhodes teased.

For the creative team behind WWE, it's quite the task to astonish their audience year after year continually. WrestleMania, Cody said, is the pinnacle of WWE's year, with all the company's storylines and creative efforts heading towards an all-encompassing climax.

"It's been doing that for 40 years," Rhodes said, adding that the team is challenged to up their game every year when the "showcase of the immortals" comes around. "How is this going to be better than [WrestleMania] 39? How is [WrestleMania] 40 going to be better? How is [WrestleMania] 41 going to be better?"

History may elevate WrestleMania 41 among its four decades of brethren, partly because 2025's edition of the "show of shows" will mark the last for a legendary performer who has decided to hang up the jorts after one final go-'round with the company.

"I'd pinpoint... enjoying the final run of John Cena," Rhodes said. The leader of the "Cenation" will perform in his last WrestleMania in Las Vegas before finishing up his career as an active competitor in WWE in 2025.

"This is going to be the year of Cena," Rhodes said.

A Personal Resolution for 2025

As the New Year approaches, Cody is also focusing on personal growth. He set himself a simple yet relatable New Year's resolution for 2025—one that's proven elusive for him in the past.

"My New Year's resolution is to stop cursing," Rhodes revealed with a laugh, adding that wrestlers tend to talk to each other like pirates in backstage areas.

"I just feel like I've got to stop cursing," he said. "Simple resolution: I'll know if I got it, and I'll know if I failed."

Looking Ahead

With WrestleMania 41 on the horizon and a deep focus on fatherhood, Cody Rhodes is setting his sights on both personal and professional milestones in 2025. After completing his lifelong goal of winning the WWE Undisputed Championship, his dedication to his craft and his family remains unwavering.

WrestleMania 41 takes place on April 19 and 20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Tickets for the two-day event are available at Ticketmaster.