Clash of Clans Recruits WWE Star Cody Rhodes for New Campaign
WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes, known as "The American Nightmare" in the ring, takes on a new villainous role in the latest Clash of Clans campaign. The ads, timed around WrestleMania 41, showcase Rhodes's passion for the mobile game, blurring the lines between his wrestling persona and his in-game identity, Overlord Rhodes.
The campaign features a series of 30-second spots highlighting Rhodes's destructive in-game prowess. In one ad, he revels in his victories as Overlord Rhodes until fellow WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley interrupts, revealing her own in-game attacks on his village. This playful rivalry translates into real-world scenarios, further engaging fans.
Authenticity Key to Campaign Success
David New York, the agency behind the campaign, recognized the importance of authentically connecting with both Clash of Clans and WWE audiences. Knowing that many wrestlers, including Rhodes, are avid players, they leveraged his existing passion for the game. Rhodes's high ranking within Clash of Clans, his OverlordRhodes moniker, and his clan-specific merchandise provided a natural synergy for the campaign.
The creative decision to portray Rhodes as a villain in the game, contrasting his heroic wrestling persona, resonated with the core gameplay of raiding villages. This strategic alignment enhanced the campaign's appeal to both fan bases.
“He's a babyface, he'll never go heel, he'll never be a villain," said Jason Burke, creative director at David New York. "But if you're that good at Clash of Clans, you are a villain.”
WWE embraced the campaign, appreciating the agency's understanding of their product and fans. Even WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque approved the creative concept.
The campaign's success is evident in the high engagement rates across social media, with millions of views on the ads. This demonstrates the dedicated fan base of both Clash of Clans and WWE, and the power of authentic influencer marketing.
