Cody Rhodes wants Abyss Royal Rumble moment to become reality, championing a surprise return for the TNA legend at WWE’s marquee battle royal even as Abyss remains officially retired. Ongoing discussion between Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and the continued speculation underline both the hope and the difficulties surrounding the possibility of seeing Abyss compete again.
Rhodes Continues to Advocate for Abyss’s Surprise WWE Appearance
In a recent podcast episode, Cody Rhodes made it clear that he has not given up on seeing Abyss, the TNA icon and former World Champion, enter the Royal Rumble. Despite Abyss confirming his retirement, curiosity spiked when it was revealed that the wrestler would be featured in the upcoming WWE 2K25 Dunk & Destruction downloadable content pack. Fans have wondered if this digital tribute might lead to a one-off in-ring return, especially since Abyss has not wrestled since 2019 after transitioning to a backstage role within WWE.
Speculation about a physical return has persisted, yet Rhodes’s on-air conversation with Kevin Owens shed light on years of effort behind the scenes to pull the moment off. During
“What Do You Wanna Talk About?”
Rhodes openly discussed his ongoing campaign to convince Abyss to compete in the annual spectacle. Owens, himself a major WWE figure, revealed that there was once a genuine chance for Abyss to join the match.
Rhodes:
“One that I’ve been trying for years and it’s just not going to happen, I keep trying to get Abyss into the Royal Rumble,”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Owens:
“It came so close one year.”
—Kevin Owens, WWE Superstar
Rhodes: “I know. Just one,” —Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Owens:
“I think it’s too late. He’s lost too much weight. Putting him in the ring at this point when he walks that way would be illegal. We love Chris.”
—Kevin Owens, WWE Superstar
The exchange not only highlights their mutual respect for Chris Park—better known as Abyss—but also encapsulates a mix of disappointment and regret, with both stars acknowledging the barriers that have kept the dream from becoming a reality.
Abyss’s Retirement and WWE Involvement
Abyss declared his retirement from in-ring competition, bringing an end to a storied TNA career that made him a staple of hardcore wrestling. Though absent from the squared circle since 2019, his ongoing contributions as a WWE producer keep him tied to the industry. Even as his digital likeness appears in WWE 2K25, expectations for a legitimate comeback have faded, given concerns expressed about his physical condition and the years away from wrestling.
Still, the tone of Rhodes and Owens’ conversation suggests that the idea is not entirely without hope; WWE’s fondness for nostalgic returns and surprise entrants has led to even more unlikely comebacks in previous years. Yet logistical and medical challenges seem to outweigh enthusiasm for now, with sincere affection and concern for Abyss’s wellbeing at the forefront of discussion.
Owens Facing Surgery While WWE Navigates Change
While considering Abyss’s situation, Kevin Owens also revealed his own struggles, indicating that he is scheduled for neck surgery in mid-July. He explained that the surgery was postponed in order to see if his spinal cord would recover on its own. However, recent severe pain and nerve complications in his arms and legs convinced him to proceed with the operation.
Owens’s disclosure underscores the personal and physical toll wrestling can exact, further complicating the prospects for veterans like Abyss to participate in physically demanding events like the Royal Rumble.
The Legacy and Emotional Impact of the Pursuit
For fans who grew up watching Abyss’s legendary performances, the effort by Cody Rhodes to arrange a Royal Rumble spot represents more than just another wrestling storyline—it’s an expression of respect and nostalgia. The resignation in both Rhodes and Owens’s voices reflects a broader sense of loss, recognizing that time and circumstance may be closing the door on one of wrestling’s most intriguing “what-if” scenarios.
As summer approaches, attention shifts to other developments in the world of wrestling, but the persistent call from names like Cody Rhodes ensures that the possibility of seeing Abyss in a WWE ring, even as a fleeting moment, remains a topic of conversation. Should WWE ever bring this dream to life, it would not only provide closure for fans and peers but would also serve as an emotional highlight in both organizations’ histories.
