The physique of a wrestler is a highly important aspect of his career. Professional wrestling has had a long history of body shaming, which was blatantly supported by many higher-ups in wrestling promotions. Recently, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes was asked to give his opinion on the subject, and his stance was highly surprising.

In an interview with Flagrant, Cody Rhodes said that the industry highly revolved around one’s physical appearance. There is a huge online contingent that pushes for wrestlers of all shapes and sizes. However, they do not realize the importance of one’s physique in this business.

Most superstars wrestle in the ring with their shirts off or with revealing ring gear. Thus, the SmackDown superstar thought it was essential to go to the gym. He totally disagreed with the contention that one should not bodyshame wrestlers.

Fans were paying a lot of money to see these wrestlers perform. Thus, they should get to see the performers in peak physical condition. Cody Rhodes on fans body shaming wrestlers: “This is a vanity business.

Theres this weird online contingent that doesn’t realize how important that (physique) is. We’re wrestling with our shirt off, folks, it’s ok to go the gym…and you hear fans be like “you can’t bodyshame… pic. twitter.

com/ipFUODLp3v— 🅰️🅾️ (@KXNGAO) October 31, 2024RELATEDCody Rhodes discloses SHOCKING details about his interaction with Roman Reigns before their match at Bad BloodRhodes himself has worked a lot on his physical conditioning and physique over the past decade. While he was always fit, he has gained a lot of muscle mass compared to when he was in the WWE previously and since he returned in 2022. Other wrestlers, such as Gunther, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles have had incredible physical transformations just over the past few years alone.

WWE Universe goes off on Cody Rhodes for his controversial opinion about wrestlers’ physiquesWrestling fans were unhappy with Cody Rhodes’ stance on this issue, especially since he is the top champion right now. Some netizens pointed out that he has a huge fan following that is comprised mostly of kids. Therefore, he should avoid telling them that shaming someone for their body is okay.

Other fans also said that it was easy for someone like The American Nightmare to say such things, considering that he already had a great physique. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 (via WWE)Furthermore, some have even credited him for the recent rise in popularity in professional wrestling and referred to him as the industry’s quarterback. Even his upcoming opponent, Gunther, called him the backbone of the success of professional wrestling in a recent promo on Raw.

this y’all’s champ? — sammy (@iyosthelimit) October 31, 2024this y’all’s champ? — sammy (@iyosthelimit) October 31, 2024Your own father Cody🤦🏻‍♂️— AEW Women’s Division Blog (@AEW_ONE) October 31, 2024His fans are (mostly) kids- telling them that body shaming for any reason is fucking gross.

— Chrissy. Anne (@_ChrissyAnne_) October 31, 2024Translation: take your job seriously— Hottest of Take-obs Jacob🦌 🧀 🍺 🦡 (@THEhottakejake) October 31, 2024he right but yall wont admit it— 🦇 (@PhenomenalKO) October 31, 2024Some fans on the other side of the spectrum commended Rhodes for what he said. A wrestler’s physique is a huge part of his job, and they should take it seriously.

He simply said something that many others are ashamed to admit. Even if some netizens disagreed with the take, they appreciated him for openly speaking out his thoughts. RELATED“I hope you are not mad,” Cody Rhodes discloses Brock Lesnar’s ‘STRANGE’ gift to him after their feud ended in 2023