Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, has not appeared in the WWE ring since the August 8 episode of SmackDown, where he teamed with John Cena in a main event match against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre. The tag team match concluded with a disqualification after Paul struck Cena with a low blow, but tensions spilled outside the ring where McIntyre launched a brutal attack on Rhodes.
Following an intense confrontation, McIntyre incapacitated Rhodes by striking him with the championship title and delivered a powerful Claymore Kick, sending Rhodes crashing into the announcers’ table. Since that moment, Rhodes has not returned to televised competition, sparking concerns among fans about his health and ongoing status, especially after McIntyre accused WWE of withholding Rhodes’ medical records.
Rhodes Filming in Australia for Upcoming Street Fighter Movie
While WWE tours Europe and the UK, Cody Rhodes has been confirmed to be in Australia, actively filming scenes for the upcoming Street Fighter film expected to release in 2026. At 40 years old, Rhodes takes on the role of Guile, a prominent character in the Street Fighter universe. His work on this project marks a significant break from his recent wrestling appearances and signals a notable expansion into acting.
Comedian Andrew Schulz, who co-stars in the movie, recently shared a photo highlighting Rhodes’ involvement, building anticipation among fans. The film also features high-profile actors like Jason Momoa, rapper 50 Cent, and Noah Centineo. Adding to the excitement, Roman Reigns—Rhodes’ scheduled opponent at WrestleMania 40—is part of the cast, playing Akuma, one of the franchise’s antagonists.
At present, there is no official announcement regarding when Rhodes will return to WWE programming. Meanwhile, WWE’s UK Tour continues as it prepares for the Clash in Paris Premium Live Event on August 31.
Ongoing Speculation About Rhodes’ WWE Return
With Rhodes absent from the roster during key WWE events, speculation around his future remains high. The storyline involving his attack by Drew McIntyre has left fans uncertain about when or if Rhodes will step back into the ring. Such uncertainty adds tension within the promotion, especially given Rhodes’ status as Undisputed Champion. Industry insiders and personalities have weighed in on possible timelines for his return, but official updates are yet to materialize.
Contextual Updates From WWE’s Current Landscape
Recent WWE programming has been marked by various headline-making moments and shifts. For example, Vince McMahon’s 80th birthday party raised questions about WWE’s internal dynamics and talent participation. Additionally, debates about Chris Jericho’s presence on WWE and AEW TV emphasize the changing wrestling scene.
John Cena continues to build momentum toward his rematch with Logan Paul at the Clash in Paris event. Meanwhile, rumors swirl around new signings, with some stars reportedly bidding farewell to other promotions ahead of a WWE debut. Randy Orton’s unexpected return to SmackDown in Dublin and a possible match at Clash in Paris also inject fresh intrigue into the WWE’s summer schedule.
Potential Implications of Rhodes’ Film Commitment
Cody Rhodes’ role in the Street Fighter film represents a notable career development outside wrestling but also leaves fans and WWE officials in limbo regarding his championship status. Balancing a high-profile acting opportunity with professional wrestling commitments can be challenging and may influence WWE’s booking plans. His absence from WWE television could impact ongoing storylines and future event dynamics, especially with major shows like WrestleMania on the horizon.
As WWE moves toward significant summer events and tours, attention will remain on when Rhodes might return and how his dual career paths will coexist going forward.
