Cody Rhodes’ WWE future has become a major talking point after he lost the Undisputed Championship to Drew McIntyre in a dramatic upset on Friday Night SmackDown, leading to intense speculation as fans approach the critical Road to WrestleMania 42. The focus keyword, Cody Rhodes WWE future, now dominates discussions as fresh updates and alleged leaks suggest major upcoming developments for The American Nightmare, specifically regarding a possible high-stakes match with Roman Reigns.
Upset Loss Fuels WrestleMania Speculation
The defeat of Cody Rhodes by Drew McIntyre has caused shockwaves across the WWE Friday Night SmackDown landscape, breaking the momentum The American Nightmare had as champion. After losing the championship, fans and pundits are closely watching for clues about what comes next for Rhodes as the march toward WWE’s largest annual event continues.
An intriguing development appeared when Cory Hayes, a noted source from Bodyslam, sparked excitement by sharing a GIF featuring Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns facing off, hinting at a potential trilogy match at WrestleMania 42. This subtle hint has fans and insiders speculating that WWE may be revisiting one of its most heated rivalries for a decisive showdown.
Ongoing Rivalry Sets Up a Potential Trilogy
The feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has already delivered some of WrestleMania’s most thrilling encounters in recent years. With each man recording a victory over the other at The Showcase of the Immortals, their rivalry stands at an even one-to-one record. Pundits, noting Rhodes’ previous gestures towards the title at Survivor Series: WarGames 2025, have suggested he still has his sights set on championship glory.
Speculation around the creative direction includes the possibility that Triple H might draw inspiration from legendary trilogies of the past, specifically referencing the famous Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock series, where the superstars met three times at WrestleMania. Wrestling observers believe a third, final encounter between Rhodes and Reigns could settle scores definitively.
Rumors Swirl Over Rhodes’ Character Direction
After losing the title, the question of whether Cody Rhodes will shift from his current persona or ultimately turn heel has gained traction online. Recent updates claim Rhodes is unlikely to turn fully villainous but is instead due for a noticeable character transformation in the weeks ahead. This rumored change in Rhodes’ character direction comes as Triple H and his creative team reportedly brainstorm fresh angles in anticipation of WrestleMania season.
As speculation builds, fans and insiders alike are eager to see how Triple H, the company’s creative force, will steer Rhodes’ story. The debate surrounding the future of Cody Rhodes, once the proud champion, was ignited by his loss and is now amplified by hints of a high-profile trilogy and a possible shift in persona. What’s clear is that the direction WWE chooses will have a significant effect on not only Rhodes’ path but the main event scene at WrestleMania 42—and possibly the company’s long-term storytelling beyond.
— Cory of Bodyslam.net (@Cory_Hays407) January 9, 2026
