A specific theory regarding the return of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has been proposed by analyst Sam Roberts. Speaking on Notsam Wrestling, Roberts speculated that Rhodes could make his comeback during a potential match between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre, pinpointing the timeframe around the upcoming Clash in Paris PLE or the following episode of SmackDown.
Roberts detailed two ways the return could unfold. One path would see Rhodes directly assisting Randy Orton, while the other involves him causing a no-contest to exact revenge on McIntyre, an action Roberts compared to CM Punk’s recent interference in a match involving LA Knight. He noted that since the bout would not be for the title, Orton would likely not object to the disruption.
The scenario also includes a potential role for Logan Paul, who could interfere on McIntyre’s behalf. This action would create the opening for Rhodes to get involved in the conflict. “I think that Randy versus Drew will be the match that happens when Cody returns,” Roberts stated. “Cody comes back to help Randy Orton… or Cody does to Randy basically what Punk did to LA Knight, which is jump into the match… get his revenge on Drew McIntyre.”
This speculation ties directly into Rhodes’ current absence from WWE programming, which began after a kayfabe attack from McIntyre. On a recent episode of SmackDown, McIntyre put Rhodes through the announce desk with a Claymore Kick, writing him off television.
While the on-screen narrative centers on the injury, Rhodes’ time away is reportedly to accommodate filming for the “Street Fighter” movie. McIntyre has consistently used this real-life situation in his promos to taunt the champion. WWE has confirmed Rhodes will not appear at Clash in Paris on August 31.
Rhodes’ second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, which started with a victory over John Cena at SummerSlam, has been met with a mixed audience response. He received boos after defeating the popular, soon-to-be-retiring Cena, and the reaction was similar when Roman Reigns mentioned his name on a recent broadcast of Raw.
The champion’s performance has also drawn criticism from outside the company. On his podcast, former WWE employee Tommy Carlucci expressed that he is “tired of seeing him being champ” and advocated for a title change. “I would have Rhodes lose the title to [McIntyre], because it’s Drew’s time,” Carlucci said.
Amidst the swirling speculation and criticism, Rhodes himself has made his character intentions clear. The champion stated he has no personal interest in a heel turn, a frequent suggestion for long-tenured babyface characters.
Despite his current absence, it is widely anticipated that Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza in September.