Cody Rhodes, the “American Nightmare,” has carved a unique path in professional wrestling. Beyond his in-ring skills and captivating persona, one element consistently electrifies the crowd: his entrance theme, “Kingdom.” This high-octane anthem, with its simple yet powerful lyrics, has transcended being just background music and become synonymous with Rhodes himself.

But what exactly do the lyrics of “Kingdom” mean? Fans have been dissecting and interpreting them ever since the song’s debut in 2016. This article delves into the history, hidden messages, and enduring legacy of Cody Rhodes’ theme song.

A Legacy Beyond WWE: The Birth of “Kingdom”

While Cody Rhodes has achieved mainstream success in WWE, his wrestling journey began elsewhere. In 2016, after a turbulent run with the company, he embarked on a new chapter, competing in various independent promotions. This period marked the birth of “Kingdom,” composed by the artist Downstait. The song became his signature entrance theme across various promotions like NJPW, ROH, and AEW.

Interestingly, Rhodes holds the rights to “Kingdom,” allowing him to continue using it upon his much-anticipated return to WWE in 2022. This return, marked by “Kingdom” blaring through the speakers at WrestleMania 38, sent a wave of nostalgia and excitement through the wrestling world.

The Lyrics: A Look Beneath the Crown

The beauty of “Kingdom” lies in its simplicity. The song features a repetitive yet catchy chorus:

(Whoa!)
Hard times breed better men (better men!)
(Whoa!)
Hard times breed better men (better men!)

While seemingly straightforward, these lyrics hold a deeper meaning, particularly in the context of Cody Rhodes’ career. Many fans believe “Hard times” refer to his initial struggles in WWE, where he felt underutilized and eventually requested his release. These challenges, according to the interpretation, fueled his growth and determination, leading him to become a better wrestler.

A Subtle Jab at the McMahons?

A hidden message within the song adds another layer of intrigue. Before the music kicks in, a voice, believed to be Cody’s, utters a powerful statement: “Wrestling has more than one royal family.” This line is considered a direct shot at the McMahon family, the long-time owners of WWE who often portray themselves as wrestling royalty. Cody, with his own legendary wrestling lineage (his father, Dusty Rhodes, was a WWE Hall of Famer), asserts his own claim to wrestling royalty.

The Evolution of “Kingdom”: Adapt and Conquer

“Kingdom” has evolved alongside Cody Rhodes’ career. While the core lyrics remain the same, different versions have emerged for specific matches or promotions. This adaptability reflects Rhodes’ ability to navigate the ever-changing wrestling landscape.

For instance, his AEW tenure saw a more bombastic version of “Kingdom,” complete with a choir chanting his name. This variation amplifies the song’s grandeur, reflecting Rhodes’ rise as a top star in that promotion.

The Impact of “Kingdom”: A Fan Favorite

“Kingdom’s” impact extends beyond its lyrical meaning. The song’s powerful guitar riffs and driving rhythm create an undeniable energy that electrifies crowds whenever it plays. Fans erupt in cheers as the opening “Whoa!” rings out, creating a shared experience that transcends individual storylines.

The song’s popularity is evident on various platforms. Fan-made videos featuring “Kingdom” highlight epic moments in Cody Rhodes’ career. Additionally, the song’s frequent use in WWE shows its enduring appeal, even within the company he once challenged.

Beyond the Music: The Legacy of “Kingdom”

“Kingdom” is more than just a theme song; it’s a symbol of Cody Rhodes’ perseverance and ambition. The song encapsulates his journey from underutilized talent to a major wrestling force. “Hard times breed better men” transcends professional wrestling, resonating with anyone who has overcome adversity.

As Cody Rhodes continues his wrestling odyssey, “Kingdom” is sure to remain his loyal companion. The song will continue to pump up crowds and remind everyone that despite challenges, hard work and resilience can pave the path to a wrestling kingdom.

This article has explored the history, meaning, and impact of Cody Rhodes’ iconic theme song, “Kingdom.” The song serves as a testament to his career trajectory and continues to be a fan favorite. As Cody Rhodes writes new chapters in his wrestling story, “Kingdom” will undoubtedly be there, soundtracking his journey.

FAQ’S

What are the lyrics to Cody Rhodes’ theme song?

The lyrics to “Kingdom” are short and impactful. Here they are:

(Whoa!) Hard times breed better men (better men!) (Whoa!) Hard times breed better men (better men!) (Bow!) (Now!)

That’s it! Simple, yet powerful.

What is the meaning behind the lyrics?

The core message of “Hard times breed better men” signifies Cody’s journey. After leaving WWE in 2016, he wrestled in other promotions, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. These experiences, according to Cody’s interpretation, made him a stronger and more determined wrestler.

Is there a hidden message in the song?

Some fans believe there’s a subliminal message aimed at the McMahon family, who are often referred to as wrestling’s “royalty” in WWE. The opening line, “Wrestling has more than one royal family,” could be seen as a challenge to their dominance. Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes, was a legendary wrestler himself, giving Cody a legitimate claim to wrestling royalty.

What’s the significance of the song title, “Kingdom”?

The title “Kingdom” is open to interpretation. It could represent Cody building his own wrestling legacy, separate from the WWE establishment. It might also symbolize his ambition to reach the pinnacle of professional wrestling.

What is the genre of the song?

“Kingdom” falls under the rock genre with a heavy guitar riff and driving drums. It’s a high-energy song that perfectly sets the stage for Cody’s dramatic entrance.

Who wrote the song?

“Kingdom” was written and performed by Downstait, a music production company that creates custom entrance themes for wrestlers. They’ve composed themes for other stars like Shinsuke Nakamura and Rhea Ripley.

Where can I listen to the full song?

While there isn’t a commercially available version of “Kingdom” with vocals, you can hear the instrumental version on various music streaming platforms. You can also find the full entrance theme, including Cody’s intro speech, on YouTube.

What are some fan reactions to the song?

“Kingdom” has been a hit with fans. They love the simplicity, the energy, and the message of perseverance. It’s become a signature element of Cody’s persona, and the crowd often chants “better men” along with the song during his entrance.

What about Cody’s current status in wrestling?

Sadly, Cody Rhodes left WWE in June 2022 due to creative differences. However, “Kingdom” remains an iconic theme song associated with his time there. Fans continue to speculate on his future and which promotion he might land in next.

Will “Kingdom” be his theme song forever?

As with most wrestlers, theme songs can change depending on the promotion and character development. It’s possible Cody might use a different theme in the future, but “Kingdom” will undoubtedly hold a special place for fans who witnessed his WWE return.

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