Cody Rhodes continues to tease a heel turn, but remains officially a babyface with no definitive timeline for changing his character. Despite his recent statements that he intends to stay a fan favorite for at least another year, subtle signs suggest a shift could be on the horizon. This possible turn could pave the way for a major alliance between Cody Rhodes and The Rock, stirring excitement as SummerSlam 2025 approaches.
Previously, Rhodes resisted The Rock’s invitation to become his champion before WrestleMania 41, a role eventually taken by John Cena, who became the Corporate Champion under The Rock’s influence. At that event, Cody hesitated during a critical moment against Cena, a misstep that cost him the Undisputed WWE Championship. Since then, Rhodes has acted decisively during matches, suggesting he’s learned from that experience. More recently, commentator Sam Roberts analyzed social media posts from Rhodes, proposing they contain subtle hints about joining forces with The Rock.
Visual Clues Point to a Connection With The Rock
Sam Roberts discussed two photographs posted by Cody Rhodes that could indicate a developing alliance with The Rock. One photo shows Rhodes wearing glasses resembling a distinctive pair The Rock wore at a Netflix premiere. These glasses bear a luxurious style similar to those The Rock has sported on WWE television, narrowing the likelihood of coincidence.
“He took the contract from Adam Pearce and he walked back to his bus or wherever it was that he was going. And then he posts these photos on his social. A lot of people are making a lot of these photos. The first photo, he’s like looking in the mirror or something like that, but it’s a picture of him and he’s wearing glasses. I don’t know Cody to need bifocals of any kind. But, he’s got new glasses. People very quickly realized that those glasses looked like glasses that The Rock was wearing on the Netflix premiere. I believe that’s when he wore them. But it looks like the glass that The Final Boss has worn on WWE television, very ritzy styled glasses but the shape and everything is very similar to the glasses The Rock wore.
Then he posts another image where he’s holding the contract, and it’s really just a picture of his wrist and hand holding the contract. But what’s popping out from the sleeve, from the cuff of his shirt, is his watch. Cody has a few Rolexes. It’s not just any watch; it is undeniably the Rolex that The Rock gave to Cody Rhodes following WrestleMania 40. The same watch The Rock had posted on social media, the same watch that maybe is the one that Rock handed to Cody Rhodes the night after WrestleMania. We still don’t fully know what it was, but it’s very clearly the watch that The Rock gave him. And, you can see the number 40 is on the face of the watch.” —Sam Roberts, Wrestling Commentator
In the second image, Rhodes displays a close-up of his hand gripping a contract, and prominently visible is a Rolex watch gifted by The Rock after WrestleMania 40, bearing the number “40” on its face. The watch’s association with The Rock adds considerable weight to the speculation that Cody Rhodes might be signaling a formal alliance with the wrestling legend. These carefully chosen visuals have caught the attention of WWE fans and analysts alike, who are eagerly trying to decode the implications.
Upcoming SummerSlam 2025 Match and Fan Expectations
Looking ahead, Cody Rhodes is scheduled to face John Cena in a Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025. The match already has high stakes and dramatic potential, fueled by ongoing storylines. Fans expect intense moments, including the possible involvement of Seth Rollins either through a cash-in or other interference. Another popular theory is The Rock could play a pivotal role, either supporting Rhodes or turning the tide in this marquee contest.
Other Significant WWE and AEW Developments
Alongside the buzz surrounding Cody Rhodes and The Rock, several other major announcements and updates have surfaced in the wrestling world. Bryan Danielson, a prominent figure in AEW, has stepped away from in-ring competition full-time but remains active backstage in a key AEW role. Danielson also addressed recent altercations at AEW All In Texas, clarifying his future intentions regarding in-ring appearances.
At WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, 2025, Goldberg concluded his wrestling career with a retirement match against Gunther. Goldberg’s son notably assisted in preparing for his father’s final bout, highlighting a sentimental moment for fans and the wrestling community.
In a surprising alliance, Paul Heyman joined forces with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 41, igniting fierce reactions across the WWE Universe. Rumors swirl that Heyman might betray Rollins in connection with The Rock’s influence, creating another layer of intrigue in the ongoing drama.
Meanwhile, WWE has been urged by commentators and fans alike to promote two popular NXT stars to the main roster, intensifying speculation about upcoming roster changes. WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella confirmed her status for SummerSlam 2025, providing clarity on her participation next weekend.
Toni Storm reunited with former WWE and Australian peers at Prestige Wrestling’s Combat Clash event, bringing emotional resonance to her recent appearances outside WWE. Additionally, WWE’s Creative Content Officer Triple H received an ominous warning from a wrestling legend, hinting at potential future conflicts behind the scenes.
Implications of a Cody Rhodes and The Rock Alliance
The possibility of Cody Rhodes forming a major alliance with The Rock could have significant effects on WWE’s narrative direction heading into SummerSlam and beyond. Given Rhodes’ current babyface status and subtle indications of a heel turn, a partnership with The Rock—whose influence has shaped milestones like the Corporate Champion angle—may redefine Rhodes’ character and elevate his storyline prominence.
This alliance could also inject fresh energy into the feud with John Cena, especially given the history of interference and hesitation between Rhodes and Cena. If The Rock becomes actively involved, it would offer an unexpected twist that could sway the match’s outcome and leave fans eager for future developments. Such a partnership might signal WWE’s strategy to blend established legends with rising stars to captivate audiences as major events unfold.
