WWE Prohibited Use of AI for Dusty Rhodes Voice
The wrestling organization has banned artificial intelligence from replicating the voice of the late Hall of Famer.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Wrestling
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WWE has implemented a formal rule that prohibits the use of artificial intelligence to replicate the voice of Dusty Rhodes. The decision ensures that only human performers handle vocal work related to the legendary wrestler.
Why it matters
The move establishes a firm boundary regarding the use of generative technology to recreate the likenesses of deceased talent. It prioritizes the preservation of authenticity by keeping legacy contributions grounded in human performance rather than synthetic audio.
The policy mandates the total exclusion of artificial intelligence for the voice of Dusty Rhodes. Instead, Bruce Prichard or Cody Rhodes provide necessary vocal filling when required for production.
The players
Dusty Rhodes
He was a professional wrestler and Hall of Famer known as The American Dream.
Cody Rhodes
He is a professional wrestler and the son of Dusty Rhodes who currently performs in WWE.
Bruce Prichard
He is a longtime WWE executive and former on-screen personality who works closely with talent and production.
WWE
This is a global professional wrestling promotion and media company.
The details
The wrestling organization opted to move away from synthetic audio after the voice of Dusty Rhodes was featured during the entrance of Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam in August 2025. Moving forward, the company relies on human staff to manage any necessary vocal components.
Timeline
Dusty Rhodes' voice was used as part of Cody's entrance at SummerSlam in August 2025.
Cody Rhodes discussed the new corporate rule on the program Last Meal on October 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The policy represents a departure from the growing industry trend of using generative artificial intelligence voice-cloning technology to extend the careers of deceased entertainers. This choice establishes a protective standard for talent legacy that could influence how future Hall of Fame members are memorialized in official broadcasts.
Fans can expect to hear only human-recorded audio in future tributes or entrance segments featuring the late wrestler. This ensures that the vocal performances connected to the Rhodes legacy will continue to be produced by live, contemporary collaborators.
The takeaway
This decision reinforces the importance of human-led creative efforts within the professional wrestling industry. It serves as a reminder that legacy preservation relies on personal connection rather than synthetic replication.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry developments in our Wrestling coverage.
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Is it appropriate to use artificial intelligence to recreate the voice of deceased public figures?
