The WWE Universe could be seeing much more of Cody Rhodes out of the ring as he is being represented in Hollywood by a leading talent agency. 

The Undisputed WWE Champion is being represented by William Morris Endeavor, PW Insider reports. Rhodes has been working with WME for about four weeks now. The American Nightmare has already landed a cameo role in the upcoming Naked Gun reboot that will star Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. 

• More on Cody Rhodes’ Role in Upcoming Naked Gun Reboot

As the name suggests, William Morris Endeavor is also known as Endeavor, the parent company of WWE. Endeavor finalized its $9 billion acquisition of WWE in September 2023 with the merger of WWE and UFC into TKO Group Holdings. By teaming with Endeavor, Rhodes has become the first WWE Superstar to be represented by WME post the 2023 acquisition. 

Cody Rhodes Out of the Ring

While Rhodes has yet to receive his breakout role in Hollywood, he does have some acting credits to his name. In 2010, Cody played ‘Kurt Smoller’ on an episode of Warehouse 13, and serves as the romantic interest for the show’s female lead Myka. Their date goes awry when Myka switches bodies with the show’s male lead Pete due to a magical idol the two had been investigating resulting with Pete-in-Myka going on the date instead.

From 2016 to 2018, Rhodes played the near-invulnerable Derek Sampson on Arrow, the CW’s take on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. Rhodes would also feud with Green Arrow actor Stephen Amell in WWE with Amell ending up victorious in a tag-team match at WWE SummerSlam 2015. 

Wrestlers and WME

Cody Rhodes is by no means the only name in pro wrestling to be represented by William Morris Endeavor. The acclaimed talent agency also represents high-profile names including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, John Cena, WWE United States Champion Logan Paul, and Ronda Rousey. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could soon be hosting more events from WWE, according to Endeavor President Mark Shapiro. 

The decade-long deal between the two sides began in 2018 during Vince McMahon’s tenure running WWE. The deal currently sees WWE host two lucrative events a year in Saudi Arabia, often with the company’s biggest stars as well as part-time performers. 

When McMahon stepped down in January 2024, there had been speculation as to what this would mean for the often-controversial Saudi deal. While speaking on the TKO Q1 earnings call, Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor, was quick to shut down the idea that Vince’s exit had changed things in terms of the agreement. 

“There was a lot of speculation with Vince being gone, ‘would that impact the relationship in a negative way? Would they be looking to get out of it?’ I would say that Nick Khan, in particular has developed, sustained, cultivated, and nurtured a very strong relationship in a handoff from Vince. They have a lot of trust and faith in each other.”

Shapiro added that WWE could explore the idea of hosting more than two events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

“We have a strong and healthy relationship with the Kingdom, through WWE, and doing two annual events a year… Potentially, we could look to do more events, but nothing is planned beyond those two events at this time.”

WrestleMania In Saudi Arabia? 

If WWE does plan to host more annual events in Saudi Arabia, then WrestleMania could be on the list. Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority hopes to bring WrestleMania to the country, as well as the Royal Rumble. They also have their sights set on UFC events that fall under the TKO banner. Nick Khan has however stated that currently, WrestleMania and other major events will stay in North America for the time being. 

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WWE King and Queen of the Ring takes place later this month on May 25 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Super Dome.

Endeavor, the parent company of TKO Group Holdings/WWE is to be taken private and will see all shares acquired by private equity firm Silver Lake. 

As part of the deal, Endeavor stockholders will receive $27.50 per share in cash, representing a premium of 55% to the closing price of $17.72. This number was before Silver Lake said in October 2023 that they were working on a proposal to take the company private. 

What This Means for TKO

Endeavor has said that it would not consider a sale of its majority interest in TKO Group Holdings, which consists of both WWE and the UFC. TKO is not party to this transaction and will remain a publicly traded company, the companies said on Tuesday.

While TKO is not expected to be directly involved with this move, the company is seeing a benefit from the change. After news of Endeavor’s privatization was announced, stock in the WWE company rose significantly. It had been trading at $86.66 a share before the news broke and rose to $90.78 a share within 90 minutes of the announcement. 

TKO Group Holdings

TKO was officially launched in September 2023. It was announced back in April 2023 that Endeavor was to acquire WWE as part of a historic $9.3 billion deal. The merger of WWE and UFC into TKO did not come without casualties as over 100 employees were let go last year in efforts to synchronize the two sports promotions. WWE would host its first wave of talent releases post-TKO launch that same month. 

Vince McMahon’s time with WWE and TKO has come to an end, and he may be just the first of many to exit both companies. 

McMahon’s departure from WWE/TKO was announced mere hours ago. Earlier this week, Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, alleged that McMahon had sexually abused her and trafficked her during her tenure with the company. After his resignation was announced, McMahon continued to deny the claims made against him in the lawsuit, which he has previously described as “obscene made-up instances.”

More Departures to Come? 

There is a belief in WWE that Endeavor may sweep out anyone close to Vince McMahon following the billionaire’s resignation this week, PW Insider reports. The gist is that a complete “fresh start” for the company is needed going forward, which may mean cuts to his remaining team. 

There were employees who exited WWE when McMahon initially re-signed in 2022 who would find a way back when he strong-armed his way back onto the Board of Directors in January 2023. There is also a belief among those PW Insider spoke to that anyone with a connection to McMahon may be seen as a major negative going forward, and that may affect their WWE status. 

Backstage Reaction

Those within WWE expected a fallout after Slim Jim paused their big-money sponsorship with the company due to the allegations. Sources within WWE added that anyone’s connection to McMahon may be seen as a “major negative going forward.” Those who left when McMahon did in 2022 and who returned when he returned in January 2023 could be on the chopping block. 

Changing WWE Plans? 

McMahon may be gone, but this situation could possibly change plans for tonight’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Brock Lesnar is expected for tonight’s event, but this may change due to Grant’s lawsuit. While Lesnar isn’t mentioned by name, Grant alleges that she was trafficked to a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, believed to be Brock.