In a recent interview that delighted both wrestling and gaming fans, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes pulled back the curtain on his personal life beyond the ring. 🎮 The American Nightmare shared his definitive list of the five greatest video games he's ever played, offering a fascinating glimpse into the tastes of one of sports entertainment's biggest stars. His selections span decades and genres, proving that even champions need their downtime. Let's dive into the pixelated passions of Cody Rhodes! 💥
The Undisputed Champion of Games: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Sitting proudly at the number one spot is the Nintendo 64 classic, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. For Rhodes, this isn't just a game; it's the benchmark. 🏆 When asked about his choice, he didn't just praise its adventure—he framed the entire experience as foundational. Interestingly, he even compared its direct sequel, Majora's Mask, to a piece of downloadable content, highlighting just how singular and complete he finds Link's first 3D journey. This pick shows a deep appreciation for gaming history and narrative-driven adventure that has clearly stood the test of time.
A Tactical Masterpiece: Metal Gear Solid
Coming in at a strong second is Hideo Kojima's espionage thriller, Metal Gear Solid. 🕵️♂️ This choice raised some eyebrows among fans who might have expected later entries in the series. But Rhodes was clear: the original PlayStation title "changed everything about modern games." He sees it as a revolutionary title that redefined storytelling and stealth mechanics. His confidence even extends to its future, as he expressed belief in its potential to become a successful film someday. It's a pick that speaks to an appreciation for innovation and cinematic ambition in gaming.
The Wild West Epic: Red Dead Redemption 2
Rhodes's third pick is Rockstar Games' monumental western, Red Dead Redemption 2. 🤠 This choice is what many would call an extremely solid pick. The game has been universally praised for its immersive world, intelligently-written story, and compelling characters. Our own review noted it as "the single most immersive Wild West game yet," with stunning visuals and extraordinary attention to detail. For Rhodes, getting lost in the vast, narrative-rich world of Arthur Morgan clearly provides the perfect escape from the chaos of WWE.
The Foundation of a Genre: Halo: Combat Evolved
The list takes us back to the roots of modern console shooters with Halo: Combat Evolved in the fourth position. 👾 This Microsoft and Bungie classic defined the first-person shooter experience for an entire generation on the original Xbox. Its impact on multiplayer gaming and sci-fi storytelling is immeasurable. For a competitor like Rhodes, the strategic combat, iconic characters, and pioneering online play likely resonate deeply with his own in-ring psychology and showmanship.
A Samurai's Journey: Ghost of Tsushima
Rounding out the top five is the beautiful and brutal Ghost of Tsushima. ⚔️ Rhodes was particularly expressive about this choice, highlighting how the game works for him on a specific level. "Ghost of Tsushima works really great for me because it's a narrative game, and the history of Japan is included in there," he explained. This pick reveals a player who values rich, historical storytelling and atmospheric world-building as much as thrilling gameplay. The game's themes of honor, sacrifice, and forging one's own path undoubtedly echo the narratives he lives in WWE.
How Does The Champ's List Stack Up?
Cody Rhodes's top five is a powerhouse list that balances timeless classics with modern masterpieces:
-
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
-
Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation)
-
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Multi-platform)
-
Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox)
-
Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation)
It's a list that shows a discerning taste for games that are not just fun, but culturally and artistically significant. He values narrative depth, historical context, and genre-defining innovation.
The WWE Locker Room's Gaming Habits
Rhodes isn't the only WWE Superstar with strong gaming opinions! 🎧 Other wrestlers have also shared their favorites:
-
Sami Zayn listed standouts like Street Fighter 2, Metal Gear Solid, WCW Revenge, Mario Kart 64, and Mortal Kombat.
-
Shayna Baszler shouted out epics like Final Fantasy VII, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, The Last of Us, the Mass Effect series, and TMNT: Turtles in Time.
It seems the squared circle is full of gamers who appreciate everything from fighting games to sprawling RPGs.
From the Digital Arena to the Real One
As of 2026, Cody Rhodes remains one of the most dominant figures in WWE. 🏅 While he recently defended his Undisputed WWE Championship in a brutal showdown at an event like SummerSlam, his love for these digital worlds remains a constant. It's a cool reminder that behind the championship persona and the intense rivalries, The American Nightmare is, at heart, a gamer who appreciates a great story and an unforgettable adventure—whether it's in a Hyrule field or a WWE ring. His list is a testament to the enduring power of video games to inspire and entertain, even those who inspire and entertain millions themselves.