Cody Rhodes has hinted at dramatic changes in his WWE persona, prompting speculation about his long-awaited heel turn. As conversations swirl around the timing and impact of these Cody Rhodes heel turn plans, fans are bracing for a major shakeup in the wrestling world.
Speculation Mounts as Cody Rhodes Hints at Change
Cody Rhodes has acknowledged that change is inevitable within WWE, particularly as fans watch closely for signs of a shift in his character. Heading into Elimination Chamber, the anticipation was centered on whether Rhodes would abandon his virtuous side and align himself with The Rock. However, instead of siding with The Rock, Rhodes rejected his offer in a blunt manner and was subsequently blindsided by John Cena, who surprised the audience by betraying his own image to join forces with The Rock.
This sudden twist led many fans and industry analysts to interpret the storyline as a test, gauging how audiences would react to the possibility of Rhodes embracing a more villainous role. Rhodes has since confirmed that a transformation is likely, adding fuel to ongoing rumors about a future heel turn.
Direct Insights from Cody Rhodes on His Future
During a recent interview with Kay Adams, Rhodes was directly questioned about how and when his fanbase might recognize the moment he switches to a heel persona.

“You’ll know because X and Instagram will hate it. Because today, heels are like, oh, that’s a cool heel. We’re loving John Cena, no, if you’re if you’re burying it and hate it and talking about how you don’t want it on your TV that’s what an actual bad guy is.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
He elaborated about the timing, indicating that while he sees himself continuing as a fan favorite for at least the next year, external factors might prompt an earlier or later transformation. Rhodes explained that the process will not happen until it becomes truly necessary for his character’s evolution.
“I think you have a good solid year, maybe even three years, because I am not changing until I’m changed, if that makes any sense. My hair is naturally dark. I don’t know if I could go back. But if The Rock had it his way, I would have been changed already. So I think he sees something that maybe I don’t see, and that’s a very smart individual. So maybe I follow his lead. Maybe not.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
The Rock’s Influence and WWE’s Reluctance
Rhodes’s references to The Rock, also known as The Great One, reinforce reports from earlier this year suggesting that The Rock campaigned for Rhodes to embrace a villainous turn instead of John Cena. Despite these talks, WWE management concluded that the timing was not ideal for such a change, opting instead for Cena to step into the antagonist’s role. Insiders revealed that Rhodes remains an important asset as a fan favorite character, and current plans reportedly keep him in that role through at least the end of 2025. Figures within WWE, including key decision-makers and observers, have continued to argue that Rhodes is most valuable serving as a hero for the present era.
Aftermath from Elimination Chamber and Fan Response
The Elimination Chamber event proved to be a turning point in the ongoing storyline. Rhodes’s refusal to join The Rock, the attack by John Cena, and the social media buzz that followed have all become rallying points for discussion among the WWE audience. As Rhodes himself pointed out, fan response on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram will serve as a key indicator of the perfect moment for a heel turn, with true animosity being the sign of successful character transformation.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes and WWE Storylines
Looking ahead, it appears that both WWE executives and Rhodes himself are keeping their options open. The ongoing debate about the utility of his current persona versus the excitement of a possible heel shift ensures that the storyline remains unpredictable. With influential figures like The Rock participating in the discussion and names like John Cena and Kay Adams involved, the dynamics of future WWE events seem poised for further surprises. As WWE continues expanding into global markets and entering tense geopolitical climates—including scheduled events in the Middle East and beyond—shifts in character dynamics could have significant implications for fan engagement and the direction of the company’s top stars.
For now, the wrestling world waits for the moment when Cody Rhodes finally embraces his darker side. Until then, speculation continues about when and how these Cody Rhodes heel turn plans will unfold, leaving the WWE universe eager for the next big revelation and keeping related tags like Goldberg, Gunther, and Mick Foley relevant in ongoing storylines.
