Cody Rhodes was caught off guard earlier this year when John Cena made his first heel turn, leading to Cena defeating Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. Since then, rumors have swirled suggesting that Rhodes himself might soon turn heel, but sources indicate these reports have been misleading. Despite widespread anticipation for a change in Rhodes’ character, no such heel turn has occurred so far.
Known as “The American Nightmare,” Rhodes has openly expressed his enjoyment of past villainous roles, which fueled expectations for a heel turn before the inaugural two-night SummerSlam event. The lead-up saw considerable speculation about a possible double turn involving both Rhodes and Cena, although Cena entered SummerSlam firmly positioned as a fan favorite.
WWE’s Intentional Strategy to Mislead Dedicated Fans Using Rhodes’ Heel Turn Rumors
According to Wrestlevotes, WWE officials deliberately employed heel turn teasers for Cody Rhodes to misdirect the dedicated segment of the WWE Universe in the weeks before SummerSlam. These hints were part of a calculated plan to confuse hardcore fans and generate buzz, without any actual intention of having Rhodes adopt a villainous persona imminently.
Sources have confirmed that no heel turn was scheduled just one week prior to SummerSlam, and Rhodes himself strongly refuted the possibility during a pre-event interview. Now that SummerSlam and the feud with John Cena have concluded, plans for a heel transformation are not currently in play. Moreover, the irony of Rhodes appearing as a heel while featured on Minute Maid juice cartons was noted as an awkward factor in timing any turn.
Looking ahead, Rhodes is set to appear on the Friday post-SummerSlam episode of SmackDown, which will broadcast live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The Broader Impact of Debunking the Heel Turn Rumors
The clarification surrounding Rhodes’ character trajectory is significant because it dispels lingering doubts and recalibrates fan expectations after an intense period of speculation. WWE’s approach in teasing a turn without committing to it reflects the company’s effort to maintain suspense and engagement within its audience, particularly among its most passionate supporters.
As Rhodes continues his championship reign, fans and observers will be watching closely to see when or if a genuine heel turn emerges in the future. For now, the narrative confirms that Cody Rhodes remains aligned as a heroic figure, and WWE’s tactics around the SummerSlam period were primarily designed to preserve unpredictability in ongoing storylines.
