Despite growing fan speculation and previous hints from Cody Rhodes himself, WWE insiders have confirmed that there are currently no plans for Cody Rhodes to switch to a heel role. Rhodes, who recently regained the Undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena at SummerSlam, remains one of the promotion’s most popular faces. WWE creative’s decision to keep him as a top babyface is seen as deliberate, rejecting the idea of turning their leading hero into a villain anytime soon.
Rhodes’ recent remarks about a possible heel turn were described by those close to WWE creative as a tactical move designed to stir excitement among the most dedicated fans, rather than an indication of an imminent character change.
Insider Statements Highlight Strategic Misdirection Around Rhodes’ Character
A detailed report from Wrestle Votes cited multiple sources within WWE’s creative team who dismissed the rumors about Cody Rhodes adopting a heel persona. These insiders emphasized that the current creative direction favors maintaining Rhodes as a heroic figure, aligning with his widespread appeal.
“After speaking with sources close to creative, we can report there are currently no plans in the foreseeable future to turn Cody Rhodes heel… We’re told that WWE has little interest in turning their biggest baby face into, quote, a bad guy.The recent wave of online speculation, some of which was intentionally fueled by Cody himself, was a strategic bit of misdirection aimed at the more hardcore audience.” —Wrestle Votes
This confirmation strongly contradicts the earlier buzz that Rhodes might embrace a more villainous role in the near future, illustrating how such talk was part of a calculated strategy to generate intrigue.
Why a Heel Turn for Rhodes Currently Doesn’t Fit WWE’s Image Strategy
Another insider humorously pointed out the impracticality of turning Rhodes into a villain given his broad commercial presence. As a highly marketable star featured in various endorsements, a heel turn could create awkward conflicts with his public image.
“One source even joked with us. TC said it would be awkward seeing a smiling Cody Rhodes on Minute Maid packaging throughout 1000s of grocery stores and gas stations here in North America while he’s playing a villain on TV, so Cody Rhodes to remain a big time baby face for the foreseeable future.” —Wrestle Votes source
This commentary underscores how WWE‘s promotional partnerships and Cody’s status as a family-friendly champion make a heel turn unlikely for the time being.
Upcoming WWE Appearances and Championship Focus
Fans anticipating Rhodes’ next moves will see him return on the August 8 edition of SmackDown. There, he is expected to address his recent title victory at SummerSlam, further solidifying his role as one of WWE’s premier fan favorites. The show will also feature appearances by John Cena and Brock Lesnar, two other major figures in WWE’s current storylines.
Additional Notable WWE Updates
Beyond Rhodes’ situation, other WWE news includes Tiffany Stratton discussing her controversial promo involving Charlotte Flair, where she justified her personal remarks. Meanwhile, Vince McMahon made a memorable appearance at Hulk Hogan’s funeral, an event described as having an almost surreal atmosphere. Additionally, a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion recently retired after a career spanning over a decade with the promotion.
There are also reports of Seth Rollins impressing backstage with his strategic planning at SummerSlam 2025, showing the depth of preparation among WWE’s top stars. Separately, Hulk Hogan’s cremation has been delayed as his family seeks clarity on his medical treatment. Lastly, concerns have been raised about a three-time WWE Champion who may be facing termination within the next six months, amid rumors of a subtle WWE move signaling the retirement of another former champion.
In unfortunate off-ring news, Tiffany Stratton was reportedly involved in a violent road rage incident following a WWE show, highlighting the pressures some wrestlers face beyond the spotlight.
What This Means for Cody Rhodes and WWE’s Storytelling
The decision to keep Cody Rhodes as a babyface, despite the intrigue generated by heel turn rumors, reflects WWE’s cautious approach to preserving their top stars’ marketability and audience connection. Rhodes’ championship status and widespread popularity make him a cornerstone for WWE’s larger narrative and branding strategy. By dismissing the heel turn speculation as strategic misdirection, WWE maintains creative control over fan expectations and storytelling surprises.
As Rhodes prepares to address his championship win on SmackDown, viewers can expect his character to remain heroic, continuing the momentum he built against John Cena at SummerSlam. This steadiness may also indicate WWE’s desire to focus on familiar hero-villain dynamics with other wrestlers, while ensuring Rhodes stays an accessible and admired figure.
