Cody Rhodes, currently holding the WWE Championship after his dramatic victory over John Cena at SummerSlam 33 days ago, has been notably absent from WWE programming. His last appearance was on the August 8 episode of SmackDown, and he has not appeared since, creating uncertainty about the status of his reign and WWE’s championship policies.
Rhodes was written off television after suffering a Claymore Kick from Drew McIntyre, which sent him crashing head-first into the announce table. This storyline injury coincided with Rhodes traveling to Australia to film his role in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, as well as welcoming his second child with his wife, Brandi. Despite these personal milestones, the nearly month-long absence of the WWE Champion has caused discussion about whether WWE will enforce its traditional rule requiring champions to defend their titles regularly.
WWE’s Title Defense Expectations and Potential Consequences
Historically, WWE required champions to defend their belts within a 30-day window, a rule that has become less rigid over time. However, Rhodes’ prolonged absence, without any advertised appearances until at least the October 3 episode of SmackDown, has sparked speculation that WWE official Nick Aldis may need to intervene. Should Rhodes fail to return promptly, WWE could strip him of the championship to maintain title legitimacy and keep storylines moving forward.
Leading Contenders for the WWE Championship Amid Uncertainty
In the event that Cody Rhodes is forced to vacate the title, the championship picture is expected to center around two main contenders: Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. McIntyre, who played a pivotal role in sidelining Rhodes with the Claymore Kick, has been actively involved in the title scene, making a strong case for himself.
Randy Orton, meanwhile, has repeatedly attacked McIntyre and was recently denied a WWE Championship opportunity after Rhodes controversially won the King of the Ring tournament. Both men are positioned for redemption, but many insiders suggest McIntyre is the more likely candidate to claim the vacant title, as a feud between him and Rhodes would provide compelling storytelling upon Rhodes’ return. Orton could join this narrative later, further intensifying the rivalry.
What Lies Ahead for WWE and Its Champion
The situation surrounding Cody Rhodes’ WWE Championship absence highlights the challenges WWE faces balancing star availability with storytelling continuity. If Rhodes remains away, the company must decide whether to implement an interim champion or fully strip him of the title to prevent stagnation. This decision will impact the direction of WWE programming in coming weeks and could set the stage for a high-stakes return showdown between Rhodes and his challengers.
