Cody has to go down as one of the worst used ever when you see what hes done with BC
I used to put him and Ziggler in that category, but a) at least Ziggler held the World Title even if it was for a cup of coffee, and b) it's not even close anymore. Rhodes has to be the most underused, under utilized talent WWE has EVER had that they let slip away.
So many opportunities where he could just print money. Dashing Cody Rhodes? Amazing. Disfigured Cody Rhodes? Amazing adapting and evolution of the gimmick. His singles run on Raw in 2013 that led to the return of Goldust and a tag title reign? He was SO over then, WWE completely missed out not having Cody vs. Goldust on Wrestlemania before sending Cody into the main event.
Time and time again, Cody showed his talent, mic skills, charisma and his ability to adapt, and now outside of WWE is showing his ability to draw amazing heat with this whole BC thing.
Comparatively to the other name I mentioned, his career will always end up being a "what if?" and it's not a "what if" WWE used him properly -- it's "what if" Dolph Ziggler stopped trying to be a Shawn Michaels clone and decided to forge his own path.
I'm sure whatever pay he's missing out on is WELL worth having creative control and a little bit of time to be with his family. I'm happy for Cody and every time I see his character, it seems even better.
Cody said he made 7 figures for the first time in his career last year. The Hot Topic is HUGE.