Originally known as Hot Rod, Rodimus Prime first ascended to Autobot leadership within the original Transformers series. He acquired the Matrix of Leadership following Optimus Prime's death, gaining greater physical power and wisdom alongside persistent self-doubt stemming from feeling overshadowed by his predecessor's legacy. Continuing from the original series in *Transformers: The Headmasters*, Rodimus Prime initially commanded the Autobots. When Galvatron and the Decepticon Headmasters attacked Cybertron, damaging Vector Sigma, Hot Rod journeyed to Earth to retrieve the Matrix. After recovering it, he returned it to Optimus Prime. During this mission, the ghost of Alpha Trion unexpectedly reformatted Hot Rod back into Rodimus Prime to strengthen Optimus Prime against the invasion. Following Optimus Prime's subsequent death, Rodimus Prime resumed command. His leadership faced significant challenges, including Scorponok's plot to harness plasma energy and Cybertron's ultimate destruction. After Scorponok detonated the planet, Rodimus Prime chose to leave the war, seeking a new homeworld for the Transformers. He relinquished command to Fortress Maximus, who led from Athenia. Rodimus Prime's personality in *The Headmasters* reflected his earlier struggles: he carried the burden of leadership with determination yet remained plagued by insecurities and the weight of responsibility. This contrasted sharply with Hot Rod's prior brashness and overconfidence. Though not the central focus of *The Headmasters*, his actions proved pivotal in key events, such as stabilizing Vector Sigma and confronting the Decepticon threat alongside the Autobot Headmasters. After departing Cybertron, Rodimus Prime later reappeared in the *Battlestars* manga continuity. Reverting to the name Hot Rod and now functioning as a Micromaster, he aided Star Convoy (a reborn Optimus Prime) in battles against the Decepticon leader Super Megatron.