Cody Rhodes is finally at the top of the mountain. If you’ve been keeping track of the ratings for the latest wrestling sim, you know that the "American Nightmare" isn't just a cover star anymore—he's the definitive benchmark for the entire roster. Honestly, it’s been a long time coming. For years, Roman Reigns sat comfortably with that 99 or 97 rating, looking down on everyone else while Cody was busy "finishing the story." But in WWE 2K25, the power dynamic has shifted in a way that feels both earned and a little bit terrifying for anyone trying to take him down in Online Quick Play.
The Numbers Game: How Elite Cody Rhodes Hits Different
Let’s talk stats because that’s what everyone looks at first. Elite Cody Rhodes in WWE 2K25 officially clocks in with a 96 overall rating. Now, you might think, "Wait, wasn't Roman higher before?" Yeah, he was. But this year, Cody and Roman are locked at 96, making them the joint-kings of the active roster.
It’s a massive jump from his 93 rating in the previous game. Basically, the developers at Visual Concepts decided that being the Undisputed WWE Champion deserves a significant attribute buff. He’s got some of the highest technical strike and submission defense stats in the game, which makes him a nightmare to pin. If you're playing as a lower-card superstar, good luck. You're gonna need it.
👉 See also: Free Online Poker Games: What Most People Get Wrong
But the real "Elite" side of Cody isn't just about that 96 number. It's about the variants. 2K went all out with the persona cards and alternate versions this year. We’re seeing a version of Cody that feels like a tribute to his entire journey.
- The Undisputed Champion: This is your base 96-rated powerhouse.
- Undashing Cody Rhodes: Remember the mask and the paper bags? He’s back with an 85 rating, perfect for those who want a bit of a challenge or just a nostalgia trip.
- Stardust: Yeah, they actually included him. He’s sitting at a lower tier, but the entrance is worth the price of admission alone.
Breaking Down the Moveset and Gameplay
Playing as Cody this year feels... smoother? I don't know how else to put it. His "Cross Rhodes" finisher is faster to trigger, and they’ve added new animations for the triple-Cross Rhodes sequence he used to put Roman away at WrestleMania XL.
They also fixed his Cody Cutter. In previous years, it felt a bit clunky—like the collision detection couldn't quite figure out where the opponent's head was. In WWE 2K25, it’s crisp. You can hit it from almost any angle, and it flows perfectly into his signature taunts. Speaking of taunts, the "Woah" in his entrance is timed perfectly with the crowd audio this year. It’s loud. It’s immersive. It’s exactly what you want when you’re walking down that digital ramp.
What about the MyFACTION Elite Cards?
If you're into the card-collecting grind, the Elite Cody Rhodes cards are the ones everyone is chasing. Specifically, the "Mattel Elite" style cards that mirror the actual action figures. These aren't just cosmetic changes; they often come with "Badges" that give you massive boosts in stamina or allow you to kick out of finishers more easily.
It’s kinda funny how much work they put into the plastic look of these models. They actually look like the Mattel figures, complete with the articulation lines. It’s a weirdly cool aesthetic that breaks the "realism" of the game in a fun way.
📖 Related: Why the Attack on Titan Gaming Chair is Actually Hard to Find Right Now
Why 96 Overall is the Sweet Spot
There’s always a debate about ratings. Some fans think Cody should be a 98. Others think 94 was enough. But 96 puts him right in that "God Tier" without making him literally invincible like the 100-rated "Super Cena" that's tucked away in the game's secrets.
At 96, Cody is better than Seth Rollins (93), Gunther (92), and even CM Punk (92). It reflects the current reality of WWE television. He is the face of the company. When you pick him, you feel that power, but you can still lose if you play like a total amateur. It’s balanced, but heavily weighted in your favor.
Mastering the American Nightmare: Actionable Tips
If you want to actually win with Cody instead of just looking at his tattoo in the creation suite, you need to use his technical depth.
- Work the Limbs: Cody has a high technical rating. Don't just spam the Disaster Kick. Use his ground-based grapples to wear down the opponent’s torso. It makes the Cross Rhodes much more likely to end the match on the first try.
- Timing the Bionic Elbow: This is his signature, and it’s great for creating space. Don't use it when the opponent is fresh; use it as a counter when they’re rushing you.
- Utilize the Paybacks: Cody usually comes equipped with "Resiliency" and "Firing Up." Save your Resiliency for the very end. Since his defense stats are so high, you can usually survive a standard finisher without using your payback.
The depth of the elite cody rhodes wwe 2k25 experience really comes down to how much you want to dive into the different eras of his career. Whether you're running through the Bloodline Showcase or just doing a Universe Mode run, he is the central pillar of the game.
To get the most out of your Cody Rhodes experience, head into the Creation Suite and check the "Persona" settings. Many of the pre-order and special edition variants, like the Mattel Elite versions, can be used across different modes once unlocked in MyFACTION. If you're struggling to win against the higher-AI difficulties, focus on upgrading your "Strike Speed" and "Submission Defense" in your MyRISE attributes, as Cody's default build relies heavily on outlasting the opponent rather than just pure brute force.