Hot Rod first rose to leadership as Rodimus Prime after Optimus Prime's initial demise, inheriting the Matrix of Leadership and commanding the Autobots amid renewed conflict. Following Optimus Prime's return, Rodimus Prime surrendered the Matrix and reverted to his original identity as Hot Rod. When Optimus Prime fell a second time defending Cybertron against rebellious Headmasters and Decepticon forces, Hot Rod reassumed command as Rodimus Prime. He later departed Cybertron to seek a new Transformer homeworld, entrusting planetary command to Cerebros (operating as Fortress Maximus) on Athenia. During his leadership, Rodimus Prime engaged in pivotal battles against Decepticon leaders Galvatron and Scorponok (who rebuilt himself as MegaZarak). His personality retained core elements through these changes: Hot Rod exhibited impulsiveness and self-confidence, bordering at times on arrogance. As Rodimus Prime, he bore the weight of leadership marked by recurring self-doubt, often measuring himself unfavorably against Optimus Prime. Even after reverting to Hot Rod, he showed increased maturity gained from his time as leader while preserving his energetic nature. His operational style prioritized decisive action over deliberation, favoring direct mission involvement over delegation. Interpersonal dynamics featured an evolving command relationship with Ultra Magnus, who frequently assumed planetary garrison roles like Earth commander. His rapport with the human Daniel Witwicky continued, collaborating on missions. The veteran Autobot Kup sustained a mentorship role, offering guidance that Hot Rod occasionally disregarded. A significant evolution occurred when refugees from Master underwent accidental plasma bomb fusion with Transformers, creating Targetmasters. Hot Rod bonded with the Nebulan sharpshooter Firebolt, who transformed into his weapon. He participated in thwarting Scorponok's attempted destruction of Earth, an event involving the defection of Decepticon six-changer Sixshot. After a bomb devastated Cybertron, Rodimus Prime continued leading Autobot forces from Athenia against Scorponok's Decepticons. His command decisions included accepting Sixshot's assistance to prevent Earth's annihilation.