Cody Rhodes has been pursuing redemption in WWE since his return, aiming to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship he lost to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, a match that ended controversially. Following John Cena’s surprising heel turn at the 2025 Elimination Chamber, Rhodes captured momentum by winning the 2025 King of the Ring Tournament at Night of Champions, where he defeated his former mentor, Randy Orton. This victory secured his shot at Cena’s title during the first-ever two-night SummerSlam event.
Despite being the favored contender to regain the championship from the “Last Real Champion,” there are strong indications that Cody Rhodes may lose his SummerSlam title match to John Cena and possibly step away from WWE for a period afterward.
Cody Rhodes’ Upcoming Film Role and WWE Plans
Recent reports confirm that Cody Rhodes has joined the cast of a Hollywood film based on the Street Fighter video game series, alongside WWE’s Roman Reigns. Reigns is set to portray the villain Akuma, while Rhodes will play Guile, an iconic character from the franchise. Filming is scheduled to begin in August, likely requiring Rhodes to take time off from WWE.
This film commitment aligns with the rumored scenario of Rhodes dropping the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cena at SummerSlam, allowing him to focus on his new acting role. The timing suggests his departure from WWE could be temporary rather than permanent.
Hints from WWE Event Promotions and Future Rivalry Prospects
Additional clues come from promotional materials for Survivor Series WarGames 2025, where Cody Rhodes and John Cena are depicted face-to-face. This imagery suggests their rivalry will continue beyond SummerSlam, potentially culminating in a WarGames match later in the year. The implication is that Rhodes may lose at SummerSlam but maintain a storyline rivalry with Cena going forward.
It is important to note that these developments are based on unofficial reports and speculation, awaiting any formal confirmation from WWE or the wrestlers involved.
Industry Insight on Cody Rhodes’ Potential Character Shift
There have been longstanding rumors about Cody Rhodes possibly turning heel, his first villainous shift since returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s UnSKripted podcast, veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter shared his perspective on what such a change might mean for Rhodes’ popularity with fans.
“You know Cody, if he turns heel, he would not be a heel that fans would cheer for like John Cena and Jacob Fatu. You have heels that are being cheered, but I think Cody, if he turned heel, would actually be a heel. He’d be booed.” — Bill Apter, Senior Wrestling Journalist
This insight suggests that if Rhodes adopts a darker role, unlike Cena or Jacob Fatu, his character may be met with genuine disdain rather than cheers. Fans will be watching closely to see if this potential turn coincides with his forthcoming matches and storylines.
Anticipation for SummerSlam and Beyond
The upcoming two-night SummerSlam 2025 event promises to be a major chapter in the ongoing saga between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line. Whether Rhodes will reclaim the title or lose to Cena is a pivotal question among fans, especially considering Rhodes’ film commitments and the hints of a prolonged feud extending into Survivor Series WarGames 2025.
This storyline could have significant implications for WWE’s programming and Cody Rhodes’ career trajectory, as his departure for acting may lead to a future return with fresh ambitions and storylines.
