Cody Rhodes was removed from WWE television after a brutal ambush by Drew McIntyre on the August 8, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, marking a dramatic turn in their escalating rivalry. The intense storyline showcasing Rhodes and McIntyre as former tag team partners turned fierce adversaries has intensified, especially with McIntyre challenging Rhodes’ reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is absent from wrestling due to his commitments filming the upcoming Street Fighter movie reboot, where he plays Guile, a role that requires him to balance acting duties alongside his professional wrestling career. This acting gig explains his temporary departure from the WWE spotlight.
Anticipated Timing and Setting for Cody Rhodes’ Return
On the Notsam Wrestling podcast, analyst Sam Roberts shared predictions regarding when Rhodes might return to WWE programming and what his comeback might look like. Roberts proposed that Rhodes could make a surprise appearance during a match featuring Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre, possibly on the August 22 SmackDown or shortly after at the Clash in Paris event or the following Friday post-PPV.
The theory involves Logan Paul potentially interfering in favor of Drew McIntyre, providing a catalyst for Rhodes to reinsert himself into the feud by either coming to Orton’s aid or disrupting the bout in a chaotic manner reminiscent of CM Punk’s interference in LA Knight’s match against Seth Rollins. This interference would serve mainly as retaliation against McIntyre and would be designed to leave Orton accepting the intrusion since it would not involve a title match.
“I think that Randy versus Drew will be the match that happens when Cody returns. Cody will somehow, I don’t know if Logan Paul interferes on Drew’s behalf. Maybe this happens the week after Clash in Paris, the Friday after. That way, Logan is kind of done with John Cena; he can go back to helping Drew McIntyre. I mean, Logan Paul. Yeah, he’s done with John Cena.He can go back to helping Drew McIntyre, and then or not, you know, whatever. Drew McIntyre is just doing some kind of cheating, and Cody comes back to help Randy Orton. You know, Cody returns.Either Cody returns to help Randy Orton, or Cody does to Randy basically what Punk did to LA Knight, which is jump into the match, you know, cause a no contest, but get his revenge on Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton’s not going to be that mad about it because it’s not a title match, just a match with Drew McIntyre.” —Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
Roberts emphasized that Cody’s return might not immediately focus on regaining the championship but rather be driven by personal revenge against McIntyre. This approach would strategically position Cody alongside Orton without creating conflict about championship stakes, adding an unpredictable element to the ongoing storyline.
Current Status of Cody Rhodes Outside WWE
Cody Rhodes’ absence from the WWE screen aligns with his ongoing filming commitments for the Street Fighter reboot, where he embodies the iconic character Guile. This role demands considerable time and focus, explaining his hiatus from wrestling events. This project also represents a significant crossover for Rhodes, blending his in-ring persona with a mainstream acting opportunity, which may impact his future WWE appearances and storylines.
Other Notable WWE Updates and Appearances
In related news, Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance on the WWE main roster, creating an unexpected disruption as one star received an unwelcome surprise. Hendry’s sudden return adds fresh unpredictability to the roster dynamics, while other WWE talents face varying challenges and story developments.
A former WWE star who was previously on life support has recently received a significant health update, though details remain limited. This news highlights the physical risks involved in professional wrestling and the ongoing concern for performer wellbeing.
Separately, revelations about a top WWE star suffering from a serious neck injury in the ring have surfaced, underscoring the inherent dangers of wrestling and the toll it takes on athletes’ bodies.
Roman Reigns recently addressed critics of Jey Uso and hinted at potential future title pursuits, signaling ongoing shifts in WWE’s championship scene. Meanwhile, there are calls for a prominent WWE star to revive a past alter ego in preparation for a match against Cody Rhodes, suggesting legacy and character reinvention themes might play a role in upcoming storylines.
Stone Cold Steve Austin, last seen at WrestleMania 41, remains a prominent figure in WWE discourse, with fans and insiders debating the possibilities of his involvement in future matches or storylines. Veteran voices have also suggested that John Cena should secure a major championship victory in his final WWE match, adding to the speculation around retirement matches and career milestones.
The faction Judgment Day continues to hint at internal betrayals on WWE RAW, adding dramatic tension and uncertainty to their collective narrative and future interactions with other wrestlers.
Why Cody Rhodes’ Return Could Shift WWE Storylines
Cody Rhodes’ imminent return, as predicted by insiders, could revitalize WWE’s main-event scene by intensifying rivalries, particularly with Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. His comeback promises not only a personal vendetta angle but potentially fuels larger story arcs involving Logan Paul and other key WWE figures. This anticipated return may set the stage for high-stakes matches leading toward major pay-per-view events like Clash in Paris.
If Rhodes intervenes during the proposed Orton versus McIntyre bout, it could precipitate a volatile chain of events that reshapes title contention and alliances within WWE. Fans eagerly await to see how this will unfold, balancing entertainment with the tense and somber realities of professional wrestling storytelling.
