Major WWE SmackDown star confirms he plans on retiring from full-time competition at 45
There are great risks involved in a pro wrestler's career, and more so for a WWE Superstar. Cody Rhodes recently revealed he intends to end his full-time run after turning 45.
The reigning undisputed Universal Champion is in his prime and amongst the faces of WWE. At least for the next few more years, Cody Rhodes would want to cement his legacy as a modern-day great but realizes that he'd have to make some difficult decisions too,
During an appearance on the Flagrant podcast, SmackDown star Cody Rhodes was asked about his possible retirement and the 39-year-old admitted he didn't want to be in the ring every week in his late 40s.
Cody Rhodes wants to be able to lift his daughter up without experiencing crippling pain and hopes to walk away from the ring before his body gives up. Rhodes was fixated by the figure "45," and he explained why below:
"I'm 39 now. I feel like I can go full-time, 100%, and be the best and be at my best and be the standard until 45. I don't know why I've kind of put that number in my mind. I have a three-year-old daughter. I do not want her to have a dad that can't do a lot. And I haven't had that problem yet. I can throw her up; I don't want her to have a dad who doesn't have the strength. I think about that a lot, but 45, I think for me." [2:34:50 onwards]
WWE's Cody Rhodes considers himself lucky
For someone who has been wrestling since 2006, Cody Rhodes is certainly one of the most dependable wrestlers in the world.
Barring a serious pectoral muscle injury he sustained after returning to WWE, Rhodes has not undergone a major surgery throughout his career and has always shown up to work.
As the WWE champion, Cody Rhodes continues to live up to his reputation for being one of the hardest workers in the game.
The American Nightmare added:
"I have also been really lucky, one surgery. The peck. I have been blessed, I have not been injured much, again, knock on this wood." [2:35:25 onwards]
Cody Rhodes will have the opportunity to win another title when he takes on Gunther at Crown Jewel in a rare champion vs. champion clash.
Please credit Flagrant and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.