As the reigning WWE Universal Champion, I, Cody Rhodes, am no stranger to high-pressure situations. But you know what's just as intense? Trying to narrow down my all-time favorite video games to just five. I recently sat down with GQ Sports, and let me tell you, picking these was tougher than some of my matches! Gaming has always been my escape, my creative fuel, and honestly, a huge part of who I am. You've seen the Triforce on my gear—that's not just for show, that's a lifestyle, baby! So, let's dive into the digital worlds that have shaped The American Nightmare.

🎮 My All-Time Top 5: The Official List

Alright, let's cut to the chase. Here are my top five video games of all time, ranked from five to one. This list is the result of years of gameplay, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated fun.

#5: Ghost of Tsushima - The Samurai Epic

Kicking off my list at number five is Ghost of Tsushima. Man, this game is a vibe. It's not just about the combat, which is slick as hell, but the whole experience. The narrative immerses you in the history of Japan like nothing else. Riding through those fields with the wind guiding you? That's peak gaming atmosphere. It's a modern classic that proves single-player, story-driven games are still where it's at. I got lost in that world for weeks, and honestly, it influenced some of the more cinematic elements I try to bring to the ring. It’s about honor, sacrifice, and looking cool while doing it—sounds familiar, right?

#4: Halo: Combat Evolved - The Console Shooter King

Coming in at number four is the OG, the one that started it all for me in the FPS world: Halo: Combat Evolved. Look, I'll be the first to admit I'm not the best virtual marksman out there. My aim can be... let's call it enthusiastic. But put me on the back of a Warthog? That's a different story. I can get that flag! This game was so streamlined, so perfectly designed for the console. The campaign, the soundtrack, the feeling of stepping onto the Halo ring for the first time—it was revolutionary. It’s the blueprint. Even now, in 2026, booting it up feels like coming home. It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly replayable. A true legend.

#3: Red Dead Redemption 2 - The Cowboy Simulator We Didn't Know We Needed

My number three pick is a more recent masterpiece: Red Dead Redemption 2. Here's a little secret: I've never even played the first one! Shocking, I know. But Arthur Morgan's story? It hooked me from minute one. The backdrop of post-Civil War America, the moral complexities, the sheer detail in every corner of that world—it's unparalleled. I spent more time hunting, fishing, and just living in that world than I did following the main story. It’s a slow burn, but that's what makes it so special. It's not just a game; it's a digital novel, a living, breathing piece of art. The honor system alone had me questioning my life choices. A stunning achievement.

#2: Metal Gear Solid - The Ultimate Gamechanger

At the number two spot, we have the one and only Metal Gear Solid. When this dropped on the original PlayStation in 1998, it literally changed the game. For me, and for the entire industry. This wasn't just playing; this was an experience. The cinematic cutscenes, the stealth gameplay, the codec calls—it felt like you were the star of your own spy movie. Hiding in a cardboard box, battling Psycho Mantis, the whole thing was genius. Hideo Kojima is a madman in the best way possible. This game defined what a narrative-driven action game could be. It showed that games could be smart, political, and emotionally resonant. It's a masterpiece of design and storytelling that still holds up incredibly well today.

#1: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - My Personal GOAT

And now, for the grand finale, my absolute number one: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Was this a surprise? To anyone who's seen my gear, probably not! This is the hill I will die on. This game is perfection. As the series' first 3D entry, it was a monumental leap. Pulling the Master Sword from the pedestal and stepping out into the future Hyrule Field? Chills. Every. Single. Time. I replay A Link to the Past yearly, but Ocarina is my forever champion.

Now, I know some people come at me saying, "But Cody, Majora's Mask is deeper! It's better!" Let me settle this right now. Majora's Mask is phenomenal—it's a dark, twisted, brilliant game. But in my book? It feels more like an incredible DLC expansion to Ocarina of Time. It builds on that flawless framework. Ocarina laid the foundation. It's the complete package: the dungeons, the music, the characters, the story of growing from a boy to a hero. It's the game that made me a lifelong Zelda fan. It's my comfort food, my inspiration, and the greatest video game ever made. No cap.

🏆 Final Thoughts & The SummerSlam Connection

So there you have it, my top five. It's a mix of classics and modern hits, each one holding a special place in my heart and influencing me in different ways. From the stealth tactics of Solid Snake to the honorable path of a samurai, these games are more than just entertainment; they're part of my creative DNA.

And as I head into SummerSlam this week to defend my WWE Universal Championship against a monster like Solo Sikoa, you better believe I'm taking some of these lessons with me. Will the puzzle-solving skills from Zelda help me outsmart him? Maybe the sheer determination of Arthur Morgan will give me the strength to kick out at 2.9? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: win, lose, or draw, after the match, you'll probably find me back home, controller in hand, getting lost in one of these incredible worlds all over again. Game on, everyone. ✌️