Weeks after being violently put through an announce table, the timeline for Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE programming appears to be set. The Undisputed WWE Champion, who has been absent since an attack by Drew McIntyre on August 8, is now being advertised for the October 3 episode of SmackDown in Ohio. With Rhodes not listed for any other SmackDown tapings in September, the early October date is the first indication of his potential comeback.
Rhodes’ on-screen injury was the result of a post-match assault following a tag team main event on SmackDown. After teaming with John Cena to defeat Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul, Rhodes was ambushed by the Scottish challenger. McIntyre first struck Rhodes with the championship belt before delivering a Claymore that sent the champion crashing through the broadcast desk.
In the weeks following the assault, McIntyre claimed his actions were a matter of self-defense. During a broadcast on August 15, he asserted that Rhodes initiated the physicality after the match by pushing his face into the ring post and clearing the announce table himself. McIntyre has also pointed to their 20-year history and what he calls Rhodes’ desperation “to be liked” as further motivation for his actions.
McIntyre has continued his verbal campaign against the champion, stating on September 3 that fans are tired of “the Cody reruns” and that WWE needs a new face to lead it. This ongoing conflict is expected to culminate in a title match between Rhodes and McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, which would mark Rhodes’ first major title defense since winning the championship.
