Cody Rhodes has a reputation for going above and beyond for fans, but even WWE’s top star admits there’s one situation where he won’t sign — and it’s got nothing to do with avoiding real supporters.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Cody was asked about the last time he wasn’t his usual friendly self. That’s when he opened up about autograph seekers at airports and why most of them aren’t actually fans at all. He explained that while he almost always signs, there’s a big difference between someone who genuinely follows his career and someone looking to make a quick profit.
“Oh, it was an easy one. So, I always sign at the airport. Always. And people today, they see the Funko sleeves and stuff like that… you’ll see people respond like, ‘Oh, that’s you, that’s the fans, that’s the price of fame.’ And I don’t think unless they’re in sports they realize the ones at the airport are actually not fans. They’re volume collectors. They’re memorabilia collectors. Now, nonetheless, you being famous, quote, is why they’re there. So that’s also an honor and cool. So I typically will always sign. Always. But if I’m by myself and I’ve flown into an airport offsite, that the only way you would know is if you looked up my manifest — and that’s what you tell me right before I sign — that is definitely going to come with a snarkier version of me. Nonetheless, still signed. Still you. But why? Why you shouldn’t sign? You should sign. It’s very simple… you just want it over quickly and you want to just do it. That’s it.”
Even though he’s willing to deal with professional autograph hounds, Cody made it clear there’s one time where his answer will always be no — when he’s spending time with his daughter.
“My only no ever — because I am a big believer and I always say yes and I always want to have time in case there’s a real fan in the mix — my only no is if I’m with the kiddo, you know? That’s just like… come on. It’s not possible in this moment. That is her time. And I have to give her her time, which — that’s my daughter. So anytime I’m with her, it’s her time.”
For Rhodes, it’s not about disrespecting fans — it’s about setting boundaries and making sure his daughter gets his full attention when they’re together.
Do you think Cody is right to draw the line when he’s with his family? Or should wrestlers be expected to sign no matter the situation? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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