Speculation is mounting that Cody Rhodes’ return at WrestlePalooza on September 20 will be a monumental challenge, as his Undisputed WWE Championship defense could be a Triple Threat Match against both Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. This format would create a significant risk for the champion, as he could lose the title without being pinned or submitted.
The potential three-way conflict stems from events that have unfolded during Rhodes’ recent time away from WWE programming. Tensions between McIntyre and Orton have escalated dramatically, culminating in a recent brawl on SmackDown that required security to separate the two. In Rhodes’ absence, Orton has declared his intention to capture a 15th world championship, while McIntyre has relentlessly questioned Orton’s loyalty, pointing to his history of betrayals as a sign he could turn on Rhodes.
Rhodes’ absence from television is being explained by a storyline head injury, the result of an on-screen attack by McIntyre. Due to this angle, Rhodes will not be present for Clash in Paris this Sunday, August 31. In reality, the champion has been in Australia filming the upcoming Street Fighter movie, where he is set to portray the iconic character Guile. The role required him to dye his hair blond, a look seen in recent photos from Sydney.
The timeline for his Hollywood commitment appears to align perfectly with his in-ring return. Principal photography for the film, which is slated for a 2026 release, is scheduled to conclude by September 20—the exact date of WrestlePalooza in Indianapolis.
Adding to a busy period away from the ring, Rhodes and his wife, Brandi, also celebrated a major family milestone. The couple announced the birth of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, on August 29.