Former WWE Champion is the #1 guy in the company over Cody Rhodes, says veteran (Exclusive)

Cody Rhodes has been one of the top stars in WWE since returning to the promotion in 2022. However, Dutch Mantell believes that The American Nightmare is not the company's #1 guy, as that spot belongs to Roman Reigns.

Cody Rhodes has been pushed to be the face of the company in the last couple of years. The former AEW EVP is widely popular among fans and is usually the top merch seller.

Despite The American Nightmare's staggering success, Dutch Mantell stated on Sportskeeda Wrestling's SmackTalk that he feels Roman Reigns is still the top guy in WWE.

"Hell yeah! [When asked about Roman being the #1 guy over Cody]."

The veteran added that The Tribal Chief's merchandise sale will overtake Rhodes once the former returns to action.

"I don’t think he’s selling as much because I think they plan for Cody to really get over. Now when Roman comes back, then it starts selling. His absence, I don’t think it will sell much. It will sell, just not as much as Cody." [From 39:41 onwards]

The seeds for Roman Reigns' return were planted on WWE SmackDown this week when The Bloodline, led by Solo Sikoa, took out Paul Heyman. The new version of the heel faction is also currently embroiled in a feud with Cody Rhodes.

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