Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has a passion for The Legend of Zelda that runs so deep it once attracted the attention of Nintendo’s legal team. During a recent appearance on his podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Rhodes opened up about how his fandom almost led to serious trouble before he even stepped into the ring.
Rhodes revealed to fellow wrestler and co-host Kit Wilson that he used to incorporate the iconic Triforce logo from the Zelda franchise onto his wrestling boots. However, this tribute to Hyrule came with a legal warning.
The Cease and Desist Incident
According to Rhodes, the legal correspondence he received was surprisingly professional. He described the cease and desist notice he got from Nintendo not as a hostile attack, but as a polite warning.
"I got a cease and desist from Nintendo," Rhodes explained. "It was very kind. They weren’t coming after anybody. I’m not the first guy to have the Triforce."
Rather than letting the incident dampen his enthusiasm, Rhodes decided to make his connection to the franchise permanent. He now sports a tattoo of the Triforce on his finger, ensuring that his love for the series is always visible.
The Symbolism Behind the Triforce
For Rhodes, the Triforce is more than just a logo; it represents core principles that he applies to his life and career in sports entertainment. He broke down the symbolism of the three triangles, which represent Power, Courage, and Wisdom.
- Wisdom: Represented by Princess Zelda.
- Courage: Represented by the hero, Link.
- Power: Represented by the antagonist, Ganon.
Rhodes explained that he leans into the idea of applying wisdom and learned experiences while maintaining the ambition for power and the courage to act.
"I live that s**t, dog," he said. "I thought the principles of the Triforce... That’s the whole deal."
He noted that these traits are essential for a professional wrestler. The career is physically brutal, requiring athletes to push through injury. Rhodes highlighted the mental fortitude needed to "take a dive" or compete despite physical setbacks, such as busting an elbow in one match and having to decide whether to play through the pain in the next.
Wrestling and Zelda: A Shared Fan Culture
The conversation on the podcast also touched on the parallels between the wrestling world and the Zelda community. Rhodes argued that both fandoms are driven by vocal, passionate fans who can influence the direction of the media they love.
"People don’t realise it’s wrestling," Rhodes stated, referring to the narrative structure of games like Twilight Princess. "Fans like what they like, and when they get vocal enough, the whole world can change, and I know this first-hand."
He used the reception of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker as a prime example. While the game is now critically acclaimed, its cel-shaded art style was initially polarizing because fans were accustomed to a more realistic, "edgy" aesthetic.
"They just weren’t ready for how it looked," he said. "They had grown up enough with the series that they wanted... 'Where’s our edgy Zelda? Where’s Link? Where’s, like, he’s growing?'"
This fan reaction eventually led to the darker, more mature tone of Twilight Princess, illustrating how audience feedback can reshape a franchise.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
Rhodes’ love for gaming extends beyond Zelda. His upcoming role as Guile in the new Street Fighter movie demonstrates his deep connection to gaming culture. The film is set for release well into 2026, continuing Rhodes' journey from WWE ring to Hollywood.
For more details on the movie, including how Rhodes was kept separate from fellow WWE champion Roman Reigns during filming, and a breakdown of the Easter eggs in the latest trailer, readers can follow the ongoing coverage of the project.
