Cody Rhodes remains absent from WWE television ahead of the highly anticipated Clash in Paris event, as he is still busy filming the upcoming Street Fighter movie in Australia. Despite his ongoing storyline injury inflicted by Drew McIntyre, Rhodes’s commitments overseas mean he won’t be part of WWE’s major pay-per-view in France this weekend.
Clash in Paris: A Star-Studded WWE Event Without Rhodes
The Clash in Paris event, scheduled for August 31, 2025, at the Paris La Défense Arena, is poised to be one of WWE’s grandest international shows this year. Featuring top-tier talent like John Cena battling Logan Paul, Seth Rollins defending the World Heavyweight Championship in a fatal four-way, and Roman Reigns facing Bronson Reed, the card is stacked with marquee names and intense rivalries[1][2][4].
However, one of WWE’s biggest draws, Cody Rhodes, will be conspicuously absent from this lineup. Rhodes, who has been off TV since Drew McIntyre’s recent attack storyline-wise, has not been spotted in WWE-produced programming in the past weeks.
Cody’s Absence: Filming Commitments and WWE Storyline Impact
Sources close to Cody Rhodes have confirmed that he is still in Australia continuing his role in the Street Fighter movie adaptation, a project that has demanded more time than initially planned. This film shoot has kept him away from WWE’s tape schedule, including the build-up and participation in Clash in Paris.
“Cody has been juggling a busy schedule abroad and WWE is fully aware and supportive of his film commitments,” said a WWE insider familiar with the situation. “There’s an understanding backstage that his return will be strategically planned around both his acting projects and storyline progression.”
This explains why Rhodes has not been incorporated into Clash in Paris’ card, despite previous teases that he might be a main event player once he recovered from the scripted injury caused by Drew McIntyre.
What This Means for Rhodes’s WWE Storyline
WWE’s creative team is reportedly developing plans to creatively explain Rhodes’s absence and eventual return. Industry insiders speculate that Rhodes’s comeback could coincide with a high-impact angle or championship pursuit post-Clash in Paris to maximize his star power.
“The plan is to give him a big, triumphant return after Clash in Paris, possibly in the weeks following the event,” revealed a backstage source. “They want to keep the momentum going for both Cody and the story arcs involving Drew McIntyre and other contenders.”
Clash in Paris Preview Without Rhodes
While Rhodes is sidelined, Clash in Paris promises electrifying matches. The showdown between John Cena and Logan Paul stands as one of the most talked-about bouts, marking Cena’s farewell tour culminating in this international spectacle. Seth Rollins, who recently shocked fans by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to steal the World Heavyweight Title from CM Punk, will defend the championship in a fatal four-way clash against CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight[1][4].
Additionally, Roman Reigns faces the imposing Bronson Reed, a storyline centered on Reed’s role as the “Tribal Thief” who has been tormenting Reigns by humiliating him[4]. The women’s side had an unexpected shake-up due to Naomi’s maternity leave, causing the originally scheduled Raw Women’s Championship match to be canceled[1].
Rhodes’s Film Career Boosting His WWE Profile
Cody Rhodes’s dual career as a top WWE Superstar and a rising Hollywood actor has garnered attention beyond wrestling circles. His involvement in Street Fighter exemplifies WWE’s growing trend of their superstars branching out into major entertainment projects, enhancing their star power both inside and outside the squared circle.
Industry analysts note that Rhodes’s expanding profile could lead to more significant storylines and crossover opportunities for WWE in the future. “Having Cody on a big film set gives him more mainstream exposure, which WWE believes will bring more eyes to their product when he returns,” commented a wrestling journalist.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
Though he won’t be physically present at Clash in Paris, fans can expect Rhodes to make a thunderous WWE return in the following weeks, potentially shaking up championship scenes and rivalries currently unfolding on Raw and SmackDown.
According to reports, Rhodes has been in close communication with WWE officials to coordinate his comeback and maintain storyline continuity despite his temporary absence.
As WWE continues to globalize and feature international venues like Paris, combining high-profile events with crossover star power remains a vital strategy. Cody Rhodes exemplifies this blend, balancing cinematic pursuits with ongoing wrestling excellence.
In summary: Cody Rhodes remains in Australia filming the Street Fighter movie, missing the WWE Clash in Paris event this weekend. WWE sources confirm his filming schedule has delayed his return to television, but a high-impact comeback is expected post-Clash. Meanwhile, Clash in Paris promises a star-studded night featuring John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and more, as WWE continues its push into international markets with expanding storylines and talent[1][4].