What makes Cody Rhodes prefer the current WWE generation over the iconic Attitude Era?

Attitude Era, the golden age of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which lasted for 6 years from November 9, 1997, to May 6, 2002. The next few eras, like the Ruthless Aggression Era (2002–2008), PG Era (2008–2014), Reality Era (2014–2016), and New Era (2016–2021), are based on the foundation laid by the Attitude Era.

Superstar Cody Rhodes, ‘The American Nightmare’ recently shared that he likes the current WWE generation more than the iconic Attitude Era. Cody shared that the reason is that WWE has come a long way and surpassed the 1997–2002 era a long time ago.

What is the WWE Attitude Era?

The Attitude Era was the World Wrestling Federation’s (also known as WWF, now renamed WWE) most famous era in the 1990s. It began on November 9, 1997; at that time, WWF was seen feuding with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) for a higher position on Nielsen ratings. Former WWE wrestler ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was the initiator who built the Attitude Era by giving his “Austin 3:16″ promo in June 1996.

One of the greatest scandals right before the WWE Attitude Era was the Montreal Screwjob, where Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels faced each other right before Hart moved to WCW from the Stamford-based company. Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon illegally made Michaels the winner and Bret the loser.

The Attitude Era saw wrestlers like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Goldberg, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Kane, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, and Undertaker, along with the rise of iconic tag teams like The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, and Edge & Christianrise. This led to a prominent upward lift as WWF wrestlers were being recognized all around the world. The company used these faces to climb to an unprecedented level, eventually elevating it to the number 1 wrestling promotion in the world.

WWF wanted to defeat WCW at that time and declared the Monday Night War, which was a rating battle between WWF’s Monday Night Raw and WCW’s Monday Nitro. During the Night War event, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) both competed for television ratings. After WWF triumphed in its battle, it acquired the rights for WCW and that’s slowly led to a new era for the company.

Why did Cody Rhodes pick the current WWE generation over the Attitude Era?

The WWF Attitude Era was the largest North American wrestling promotion at that time, however, compared to the present WWE, the promotion was mediocre at best. Royal Rumble 2024 winner, Cody Rhodes recently attended an interview with Fox News Digital, where he explained that WWE has surpassed its previous eras, be it through attendance records, live viewership, sponsorship deals, and more.

“I’ve heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it. For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did — and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business. I’m only making comparisons on a black and white level, dollars and cents, in terms of what WWE’s been able to do over the last two years”, said Cody.

What are your thoughts on the iconic WWF Attitude Era? Who was your favourite wrestler from this era? Let us know your pick in the comment section below!