Cody Rhodes, currently at a high point in his WWE career, has ignited retirement rumors with a mysterious post on social media just before his scheduled title match at SummerSlam. The American Nightmare is set to face John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship next month, raising questions about his future with the company.
Rhodes’ journey to a major SummerSlam showdown
Rhodes fought his way back into the world title contention by winning the King of the Ring tournament, a victory secured by defeating his longtime friend Randy Orton. This win earned him a spot at WWE’s biggest summer event, where he will clash once again with Cena. Their rematch was teased ever since Travis Scott assisted Cena in reaching the top at what was billed as his final WrestleMania appearance.
Just before this much-anticipated match, Rhodes shared a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) that has stirred debate among fans. His message read:
“Don’t flinch. Thank you all for riding with me all this time. Love you for it. Excited for what we do next.”
—Cody Rhodes
This ambiguous message has been interpreted in several ways, with some fans speculating Rhodes might be quietly stepping away from wrestling, while others believe he may be preparing for a break to focus on his upcoming role in the Street Fighter movie. There is also talk that he could be hinting at a character change, possibly a heel turn. Regardless of the true meaning, the post has certainly generated a significant buzz across the WWE fanbase.
Potential consequences if Rhodes captures the WWE title
The possibility of Rhodes winning the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam has strong backing from wrestling fans and industry veterans. One notable supporter is Drew McIntyre, Rhodes’ former tag team partner and a prominent figure in WWE.
McIntyre, recently returned on SmackDown, expressed his desire to see Rhodes win the title so that he could eventually challenge him for it. This dynamic has tantalized fans who hope for a major showdown down the line.
Speaking on the Busted Open podcast, Bully Ray highlighted the attention on McIntyre and Rhodes, suggesting a bigger storyline is being developed:
“I’m the biggest Drew McIntyre fan as well. What I look at is they’re planting seeds. I love when he said with him and Cody, they have a similar path, and if you’re gonna tell me I’m gonna get Cody and Drew for the world title, that is a bigger picture. When I look at, okay, I have Gunther, I have this returning John Cena, I also have CM Punk. These are all people that have been plugged in the way of Drew McIntyre.”
—Bully Ray
Meanwhile, McIntyre is preparing for a singles match against Randy Orton at the upcoming WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, which could set the stage for further developments in WWE’s main event scene.
What lies ahead for Cody Rhodes and WWE fans
Cody Rhodes WWE retirement speculation remains a hot topic as fans await SummerSlam with heightened anticipation. Whether Rhodes is merely hinting at a shift in his wrestling character or considering a break from the ring, his future plans have become a source of uncertainty. His performance at SummerSlam against John Cena will not only impact WWE’s title picture but could clarify Rhodes’ direction moving forward.
With key players like Drew McIntyre, John Cena, Gunther, and CM Punk all involved in major storylines, WWE fans can expect intense competition and evolving rivalries in the coming months. How Rhodes’ situation unfolds will likely influence the company’s landscape and the narratives crafted for its biggest events.
