Cody Rhodes, the current WWE Champion, has remained off television since losing to Drew McIntyre via a Claymore Kick through the announce table on the SmackDown episode following SummerSlam. Despite reclaiming his title from John Cena, Rhodes has not appeared in WWE programming for over a month, leaving fans eager for his return. This hiatus coincides with significant personal milestones and professional commitments off-screen.
During his absence, Cody and his wife Brandi Rhodes welcomed their second child, while the WWE Champion has also been occupied filming the upcoming Street Fighter movie. The attack by McIntyre was written into the storyline to explain Cody’s break from TV, aligning with his external obligations. With filming now reportedly complete, Rhodes is expected to rejoin WWE programming soon, potentially in time for the highly anticipated Wrestlepalooza event.
Possible Scenarios Leading to Rhodes vs. McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza
Wrestlepalooza is shaping up to be a major showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Recent developments hint that this match could serve as Rhodes’ long-awaited return after five weeks off television. Drew McIntyre is scheduled to face Randy Orton once again on the upcoming SmackDown, a match which could catalyze the championship rivalry’s next chapter.
Regardless of the outcome between McIntyre and Orton, McIntyre might attack Orton post-match, prompting Rhodes to intervene and set up the Wrestlepalooza title defense. This scenario would effectively reignite the fierce competition between Rhodes and McIntyre while maintaining momentum in ongoing storylines involving Randy Orton, known as The Viper, and The Scottish Psychopath, McIntyre’s nickname.
How WWE Might Reintroduce Cody Rhodes to the SmackDown Audience
Cody Rhodes has demonstrated resilience throughout his career, rising from underdog status to an undisputed champion. The WWE may leverage his toughness by building tension through Drew McIntyre’s potential victory over Randy Orton, after which McIntyre could publicly demand Rhodes’ presence for a championship match. If Rhodes is not physically able to appear on this week’s show, WWE might use alternative methods such as a pre-recorded message or a satellite interview facilitated by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to respond to McIntyre’s challenge.
This approach would allow Rhodes to engage the audience without an immediate physical return, maintaining suspense. Furthermore, Rhodes could accept McIntyre’s challenge for either the following week’s SmackDown or the next episode of RAW, officially confirming their Wrestlepalooza confrontation and increasing anticipation among WWE fans.
An Unexpected In-Ring Return During McIntyre vs. Orton’s Match
An intriguing and dramatic possibility involves Cody Rhodes re-entering WWE action live during the scheduled bout between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre. Rhodes could disrupt the match by confronting McIntyre, potentially causing a disqualification in his favor or interfering in a manner that affects the match’s outcome if McIntyre frequently breaks rules.
This tactic might serve multiple narrative purposes: preserving the slow buildup to a future Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton rivalry, while simultaneously maintaining McIntyre vs. Rhodes as a headline contest at Wrestlepalooza. The surprise factor of a live return during a high-profile match could heighten viewer engagement and signal a pivotal moment for the WWE storyline.
The Significance of Rhodes’ Return and What It Means for WWE’s Future
Cody Rhodes’ comeback is a critical element in WWE’s evolving storylines as the company transitions to its ESPN debut, with only a few episodes of RAW and SmackDown left before the move. Rhodes serves as the company’s top star, often referred to as WWE’s quarterback, and his return will have major implications for the direction of future programming.
Whether Rhodes returns with a decisive in-ring confrontation or through strategic promos, his actions will influence the championship landscape and other rivalries, particularly those involving Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. Fans can expect heightened tension and well-orchestrated storytelling as WWE integrates Rhodes back into active competition.
