Cody Rhodes was seen for the first time since dropping the Undisputed WWE Championship last week on SmackDown, where Drew McIntyre claimed the title. Rhodes, known as a two-time Undisputed WWE Champion, recently lost the championship after a hard-fought contest that stirred much discussion among WWE fans.
The American Nightmare originally regained the title at the 2025 SummerSlam Premium Live Event by defeating John Cena, ending Cena’s 17th reign as a world champion. Rhodes had successfully defended the championship against McIntyre multiple times before eventually surrendering it in a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match. This match was further complicated by Jacob Fatu’s unexpected return, who targeted both Rhodes and McIntyre, influencing the outcome.
Family Ties Remain Strong Despite Championship Loss
Although Jacob Fatu’s interference played a decisive role, Rhodes appears to maintain positive relations with his family, particularly with Jimmy and Jey Uso. Jey Uso posted a photo on his Instagram story featuring himself and Rhodes inside Fanatics Studios with a single word caption:
“Dawgs,” Jey wrote.
The Usos continue to be a prominent presence on WWE programming as they perform on Monday Night RAW and hold the WWE World Tag Team Championship. Recently, while Jimmy was notably absent from RAW, Jey appeared and engaged enthusiastically with the WWE Universe, reinforcing the close-knit dynamic amid Cody’s recent struggles.
Wrestling Veteran Comments on Potential Heel Turn for Rhodes
Tommy Dreamer, a respected veteran in professional wrestling, shared his views on the possibility of Cody Rhodes turning heel following his title loss. Speaking on the Busted Open podcast, Dreamer expressed a pessimistic outlook, warning fans about the consequences of such a character shift. He stated:
“If you want heel Cody, beware of what you wish for. If this is an era where we want to cheer bad, okay, your worst scenario as a wrestling fan is a bad Cody Rhodes. I’m telling you, I know what he has to be a heel, and what you see as a top guy heel, you ain’t gonna like it.”
The direction Cody Rhodes will take next remains uncertain. Fans are waiting to see if he challenges Drew McIntyre for a rematch or focuses on Jacob Fatu, the individual responsible for costing him the championship.
What Lies Ahead for Cody Rhodes and the WWE Universe
Cody Rhodes’ recent loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship marks a significant turning point in his wrestling career. His interactions with key figures such as Jimmy and Jey Uso demonstrate his ongoing connection to WWE’s prominent factions despite setbacks. Meanwhile, speculation about his character development, especially the possibility of a heel turn, adds tension and excitement to upcoming storylines.
As Rhodes navigates this challenging phase, WWE fans closely follow whether he will reclaim the championship from Drew McIntyre or confront Jacob Fatu to settle scores. The unfolding events will likely influence the landscape of WWE programming in the coming months, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the wrestling world.
Cody Rhodes seen with The Usos after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship: pic.twitter.com/aiZJCqV02N
— WrestleSD (@wrestle_sd) January 14, 2026
