Cody Rhodes’ reported cervical injuries from Saturday Night’s Main Event appear to be part of storyline developments rather than legitimate medical concerns. The injury angle follows Kevin Owens’ post-match package piledriver attack.
WWE announced Rhodes suffered axial compression of the cervical spine and cervical strain with spasm. The diagnosis mirrors Randy Orton’s storyline injury from a similar Owens attack that resulted in cervical cord neurapraxia.
The kayfabe injury explains Rhodes’ absence from pre-taped SmackDown episodes. Sources suggest a potential month-long absence, with Rhodes likely returning before Royal Rumble for a confrontation with Owens.
Former WWE head writer Vince Russo critiqued Rhodes’ recent character direction on his podcast The Brand: “He’s getting stale as a character because they’re not doing anything with him. Nothing. There’s no story, there’s nothing. He’s just going out there and wrestling.”
Rhodes has held the Undisputed WWE Championship for over 250 days. Post-WrestleMania 40 defenses against Logan Paul and AJ Styles drew criticism for lacking detailed storylines. Current plans indicate Rhodes will retain the championship through WrestleMania 41.
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