Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 marked a historic moment for the company, reigniting conversations among fans and insiders alike. Central to this comeback was his matchup against Seth Rollins, a contest announced during WWE’s 2023 premium live event where Rollins was first set to face an unknown opponent, later unveiled as Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare. The bout received high praise for its display of athleticism and storytelling, culminating with Rhodes emerging victorious.
On his podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Rhodes explained his decision to face Rollins was influenced both professionally and personally. Rhodes described Rollins as not only an integral figure in WWE’s present and future but also someone he had followed closely since the early days of Rollins’ career, including his first dark match in Dayton, Ohio. Rhodes admired Rollins’ progression and ability to elevate himself, which created a powerful dynamic for their WrestleMania clash.
“I knew what I should do the moment it was said Seth Rollins at WrestleMania for a couple reasons. Seth Rollins is amazing and part of the furniture at WWE, probably a large part of the future of WWE and has done everything. But on a personal level, I had had Seth Rollins’ first dark match in Dayton, Ohio, at the Nutter Center. I had done live events with him, and then I had seen him fly past me. Rockets the moon and well-deserved and could handle it.So the idea, and I talked about this with wrestling Cena at WrestleMania 41. The idea of being in the room or in the ring with people who had one on me, now, no, now we’re sharing the same space. Now, we’ve caught up. [16:31 onwards]”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
Cody Rhodes’ Recent Absence from WWE Programming
Following his strong showing at WrestleMania 38, Rhodes has since been absent from WWE television, missing SmackDown tapings since August 8. His last appearance ended with an aggressive attack by Drew McIntyre during the main event tag team match, where McIntyre executed a devastating Claymore Kick that sent Rhodes crashing through the announcers’ table. This scripted incident appears to have been WWE’s method to write Rhodes out temporarily as he traveled to Australia for filming his upcoming Street Fighters movie.
Currently, the timeline for Rhodes’ return to WWE remains unclear. Fans and commentators are watching closely, as Rhodes continues to balance his wrestling career with acting opportunities.
Additional WWE Updates and Story Developments
Beyond Rhodes and Rollins, the WWE landscape continues to evolve with notable developments concerning various wrestlers and events. A former Undisputed Champion is reportedly not expected to re-sign with WWE, according to a Hall of Famer’s insights. Meanwhile, Nikki Bella has publicly responded to an ex-boyfriend’s comment on social media, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
The Rock’s recent significant weight loss has also sparked curiosity, with sources providing explanations for his transformation. Additionally, a former WWE star has denied rumors about joining Triple H’s creative team anytime soon, quelling speculation around backstage changes.
In other news, Raja Jackson’s attack on Syko Stu generated questions about potential legal action, with recent updates shedding light on the situation. WWE has also confirmed the return of AJ Lee at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event, exciting the fanbase. Meanwhile, The Rock was moved to tears during a 15-minute standing ovation while watching his latest critically acclaimed movie, amid growing Oscar buzz.
Finally, a potential shakeup is looming within The Vision faction, as reports suggest that Becky Lynch’s anticipated involvement could cause internal division among members, signaling developments in WWE’s storytelling direction.
What Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins Matches Mean for WWE’s Future
The matchup between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins not only delivered a thrilling contest at WrestleMania 38 but also symbolized a passing of the torch moment, highlighting WWE’s blend of established talent and emerging stars. Rhodes’ reflection on sharing the ring with Rollins illustrates the respect and camaraderie among top performers, as well as the significance of such high-profile encounters in shaping WWE’s narrative and competitive landscape.
As Rhodes continues to balance his wrestling and acting careers, and Rollins remains a steadfast presence in the company, their WrestleMania history serves as a benchmark for storytelling and in-ring excellence. How WWE further capitalizes on this chemistry will influence major events to come and the company’s overall trajectory.
