Credit: WWE.com
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is gearing up for a major return to WWE television, with his comeback tentatively scheduled for the Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event (PLE) on September 20th. This restart to Rhodes’ TV presence will highlight a high-stakes match against Drew McIntyre, reigniting one of WWE’s most intense rivalries of the year.
Cody Rhodes’ Absence From WWE TV
Cody Rhodes has been noticeably absent from WWE programming for several weeks, missing consecutive episodes of SmackDown. Official storylines cite Drew McIntyre’s brutal attack on Cody as the reason behind this absence. However, a major factor behind Rhodes’ off-screen time has been his commitment to filming the live-action Street Fighter movie in Australia, where he stars as Guile. This Hollywood venture necessitated a break from WWE’s rigorous travel and filming schedule.
Return Timing and Storyline Implications
Industry insider Dave Meltzer revealed that Rhodes is expected to make his television return in time for Wrestlepalooza on September 20th, where he will face Drew McIntyre in a marquee matchup. This suggests WWE is eager to capitalize on the heated tension between these two athletes following their recent feud on SmackDown, combined with Rhodes’ star power as the Undisputed WWE Champion.
A WWE insider familiar with the creative process noted, “The timing is deliberately designed to maximize hype going into Wrestlepalooza. Cody’s absence allowed anticipation to build, and the payoff will be a physical, emotional showdown with Drew that fans have eagerly awaited.” According to sources close to Rhodes, the company is strategically pacing his return so he can elevate the September event and re-establish his dominance leading into the final quarter of 2025.
Cody Rhodes’ Career Trajectory Post-WrestleMania
Since dropping the WWE title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41, Rhodes has not quite regained his prior level of on-screen momentum. His year-long title reign established him as WWE’s top babyface, but the post-Mania period has brought new challenges. Fans are somewhat divided on his character following his Hollywood pursuits, and there is speculation among observers about a possible heel turn for Cody later in 2025, although WWE appears cautious about altering the character too drastically while Rhodes is involved in high-profile feuds with John Cena and others.
Adding further complexity to the dynamic is the suspicion that Rhodes might face mixed crowd reactions on WWE’s current European tours, where Drew McIntyre’s strong connection with the local fans may overshadow Rhodes temporarily. Nonetheless, WWE emphasizes that Cody remains a cornerstone of their programming and continues to be a key figure leading into major events.
The Broader WWE Landscape Ahead
Cody’s upcoming return aligns with other WWE stars preparing for time away, as Roman Reigns is expected to soon depart for filming commitments abroad, and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hirooki Goto will also be busy with international projects. This period marks an important transitional phase for WWE as it balances their wrestling product with external media opportunities for its top talent.
Meanwhile, WWE freshly reinforced the blue brand with the return of Randy Orton and the addition of Sami Zayn, aiming to maintain strong star power in Rhodes’ absence. With John Cena on a limited part-time schedule and other babyfaces stepping up, WWE has been carefully devising storylines to keep SmackDown competitive until Rhodes’ reappearance.
What To Expect at Wrestlepalooza
The confirmed Rhodes vs. McIntyre match is shaping up to be a brutal and emotionally charged contest, representing more than just a rivalry but also a clash between two veteran stars embodying WWE’s present and future. Fans can anticipate hard-hitting physicality mixed with intense storytelling a hallmark of both competitors.
Wrestlepalooza, set for September 20th, promises to be one of WWE’s most anticipated PLEs of the year, especially with Rhodes returning freshly motivated after his Hollywood hiatus. The event will likely be a signpost for Rhodes’ direction in the coming months, whether that includes another WWE title run or the evolution of his character in new and surprising ways.