Cody Rhodes will no longer appear at a planned WWE SummerSlam weekend event due to its cancellation. WWE had scheduled a Late Night show for the evening of Saturday, August 2nd, 2024, in Englewood, New Jersey, featuring comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and Rhodes, but ticket sales were reportedly insufficient to justify holding the event. This decision came shortly after the SummerSlam pay-per-view with Rhodes set as one of its headliners.
The WWE Late Night event was intended as a follow-up entertainment show after SummerSlam, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET. Cody Rhodes’ involvement was heavily promoted in hopes of boosting ticket sales, yet it failed to attract the expected audience. PWInsider reported that the event was quietly cancelled to avoid further losses, leaving Rhodes with one fewer engagement during the high-profile SummerSlam weekend.
The Significance of Cody Rhodes’ SummerSlam Championship Match
Cody Rhodes will headline the WWE SummerSlam event in a match that marks one of the most important moments in his career. He earned a shot at the WWE Title by winning the prestigious King of the Ring tournament and is set to challenge John Cena in a Street Fight on Sunday, August 3rd. This match is expected to be the main event of the evening and carries a high level of anticipation.
During a recent WWE SmackDown episode in Cleveland, Rhodes made an emotional plea for an authentic encounter with Cena, emphasizing his desire to compete against the genuine, passionate version of the wrestling icon rather than a reluctant participant. His message expressed frustration with what he perceived as a lack of commitment from Cena in previous matches.
I don’t want to wrestle this John Cena. I don’t want to fight a guy who didn’t even want this match in the first place. I don’t want to fight a guy who is counting the days until he is out the door. No. At SummerSlam, I want to fight the real John Cena. Because if I’m going to stand here and own it, I need to know I can go through the very best and the title that John Cena has is the biggest title in our game. It means he is the very best.This isn’t about nostalgia. This isn’t about headlines. This is about a once-in-a-generation superstar, someone who redefined what it is to be a pro-wrestler. So John Cena, if this is your last SummerSlam, come like it is your first. I want you up there, talking to Stu the cameraman, I want you wearing the title the right way, I want you running to the ring. I want all the hustle. I want all the loyalty. And the respect? We can beat it out of each other.
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Past WWE Events and Controversies During WrestleMania Weekend
WWE recently experimented with a similar SummerSlam weekend event concept during WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe hosted a Roast of WrestleMania. The event was exclusive to attendees and not broadcast for wider audiences. It featured personal, often controversial jokes targeting WWE talent, including a notable moment where Nia Jax mocked Charlotte Flair’s personal life. Despite some enjoying the humor, the event faced criticism for its tone and content.
This context highlights WWE’s ongoing challenges in balancing fan engagement with more experimental and adult-themed live events, which has contributed to cancellations like the WWE Late Night show planned for SummerSlam.
Other Notable WWE Developments and Industry News
WWE has faced significant moments of grief and change recently, such as the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan at age 71. Vince McMahon issued a rare public statement acknowledging Hogan’s death, while former U.S. President Donald Trump also paid tribute to the wrestling legend. Hogan’s passing marks a somber chapter for the wrestling community.
Meanwhile, WWE’s relationship with rapper Travis Scott has notably deteriorated, described as a “full falling out,” signaling tensions between the promotion and outside entertainers.
On the in-ring front, several wrestlers are coping with injuries or making retirement announcements. Goldberg admitted to sustaining an injury during his WWE farewell match, underscoring the physical toll of professional wrestling. Meanwhile, accusations of naivety were directed at TNA management following an incident involving The Undertaker and their champion on the NXT brand.
Additionally, a former AEW champion is currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury, demonstrating the ongoing challenges faced by performers across wrestling organizations.
In a lighter yet intriguing story, a WWE star reportedly made an unusual proposal to join forces with Alexa Bliss, indicating shifting alliances and storylines within WWE programming.
The Broader Impact on WWE and SummerSlam Weekend
The cancellation of WWE Late Night amid poor ticket sales represents deeper concerns regarding fan interest in supplementary live events during major wrestling weekends. Despite the high stakes of the main SummerSlam card, including the championship match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, side attractions like this late-night show struggled to gain traction.
For Cody Rhodes, this means focusing solely on his pivotal WWE Title match at SummerSlam, which carries immense weight for his career trajectory. The event remains a crucial moment for WWE as it continues to manage talent relations, audience expectations, and the lasting legacies of its top superstars amidst a changing entertainment landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a yearly professional wrestling event organized by WWE, the largest company in this field, since 1988. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it ranks as WWE’s second most important event after WrestleMania.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2025 2 nights?
A. SummerSlam is one of WWE’s four major events, like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. This year, it’s expanding to a two-night event for the first time.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2 nights in 2025?
A. WWE SummerSlam 2025: Date, Lineup, Ticket Information, and All Other Details You Need to Know. Spanning two nights, it includes a WrestleMania rematch featuring John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
Q. Will John Cena be in SummerSlam 2025?
A. For his last SummerSlam, WWE legend John Cena will face Cody Rhodes again in a much-awaited rematch, but this time it will be a Street Fight. Cena previously defeated Rhodes at WrestleMania in April. Afterward, he promised to “ruin wrestling” and retire as the “Last Real Champion” with the title.
