Cody Rhodes Wants to Revive the Iconic Winged Eagle WWE Championship Belt
Following his historic victory at WrestleMania XL, claiming the Undisputed WWE Championship, Cody Rhodes has set his sights on a piece of wrestling history.
In an interview with GQ Sports for their "10 Things WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes Can't Live Without" segment, Rhodes revealed his desire to bring back the iconic Winged Eagle championship belt. While he appreciates the current design, "The American Nightmare" believes the Winged Eagle holds a special place in WWE history.
"I am fond of the Winged Eagle, which is the title from the 1990s," said Rhodes. "Hulk Hogan wore it. Ultimate Warrior wore it. Ric Flair wore it. Bret Hart wore it. And I am actively trying to find a way to get that into the WWE world."
The Winged Eagle, crafted by the legendary Reggie Parks, first appeared in 1988 during The Main Event, where champion Hulk Hogan defended it against Andre the Giant. Over the next decade, the belt was held by some of wrestling's biggest names, including Hogan, Randy Savage, and Shawn Michaels. It was retired in 1998, its final holder being "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who received a new design after winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 14.
Previously, Rhodes had expressed a desire to bring back the Winged Eagle design during his initial bid to dethrone Roman Reigns in 2023. However, after securing the championship this year, Rhodes has shifted his stance, expressing a fondness for the current belt's aesthetic.
"This is also the title that was around Roman Reignsâ waist the night I beat him," Rhodes told GQ. "And thereâs a part of that that makes me more linked to this look and this aesthetic for a WWE championship than ever."
While Rhodes acknowledges the importance of the current belt, his passion for the Winged Eagle's historical significance shines through. His commitment to finding a way to incorporate the classic design into the modern WWE world shows his dedication to preserving the rich history of professional wrestling.
Rhodes will face a tough challenge at this weekend's SummerSlam, as he defends the modern title against Solo Sikoa. Whether or not he succeeds in reintroducing the Winged Eagle remains to be seen, but his determination to honour the legacy of the sport is evident.
