Cody Rhodes addressed speculation about a potential heel turn during a July 31 appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.” The interview took place ahead of his match with John Cena at SummerSlam 2025. Rhodes stated that he did not see a change in his persona happening “anytime soon.”
The former Undisputed WWE Champion has been the subject of speculation regarding a character change, and in a June 2025 interview with Kay Adams, he commented that he felt he was approaching the “tail end” of his babyface run.
When asked about a possible turn on “First Take,” Rhodes said: “I always like to say in what we do, never say never. The more you’re in this it’s probably really likely but I think my version of a heel is just way too… I don’t know.”
Rhodes then discussed what his version of a heel character would entail, joking that he would try to get himself “canceled.” He added that his signature music and entrance would disappear, a change he thinks might not even “translate” to the fans.
“I wouldn’t have music, the song would go away, the entrance would go away, I would try to get myself canceled, I don’t even know if it would translate. Never say never but I don’t see it happening anytime soon.”
Rhodes vs. Cena II is scheduled to headline Night Two of SummerSlam. The match will be a Street Fight, unlike their first encounter at WrestleMania 41.