As WWE’s landscape intensifies ahead of SummerSlam 2025, questions have swirled regarding whether WWE Champion Cody Rhodes might embrace a darker persona and turn heel. However, Rhodes has firmly put those speculations to rest, emphasizing his desire to remain a babyface and highlighting the unique connection he maintains with WWE fans.
Cody Rhodes on the Potential Heel Turn: A Strong No
In recent interviews, Cody Rhodes addressed persistent rumors about a possible heel turn, particularly with his high-stakes Street Fight scheduled against John Cena at SummerSlam 2025. During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rhodes explained why he has no plans to switch allegiances to the villainous side of the WWE roster. He stated that despite online clamor and fan theories about him going heel, he feels an authentic bond with his supporters that he does not want to sacrifice:
“There’s always this argument: ‘Oh, Cody should turn heel. Will he turn?’ I don’t think so. They can boo all they want. If certain people decide, ‘Yeah, Cody’s a heel to me,’ that’s fine. But I don’t think I’d ever turn, because there’s just too much of a connection with the people who were on board with me from the beginning.”[4]
Rhodes also acknowledged the challenges inherent in being a babyface in today’s wrestling climate, noting heels often enjoy more freedom in promos and social media to dish out one-liners and generate buzz. Despite the allure of villainy’s easier path to heat, Rhodes considers the responsibility of being a true hero — rising above negativity and maintaining that positive connection — to be far more fulfilling, though not the easiest route.
WWE Creative’s Stance: No Heel Turn for Cody in the Near Future
Sources close to WWE’s creative team confirm that there are currently no plans to turn Cody Rhodes heel anytime soon. According to insiders speaking to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE is committed to maintaining Rhodes as one of its top babyfaces, reflecting the company’s confidence in him as a major fan favorite and the face of the franchise:
“WWE has little interest in turning their biggest babyface into a bad guy.”[5]
This backstage perspective aligns with Rhodes’s public statements and suggests WWE values his role as a heroic figure, particularly in a landscape where other legends like John Cena may be shifting characters themselves.
The Context: The Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena Feud and SummerSlam Implications
The storyline between Cody Rhodes and John Cena has spawned intense speculation about potential character shifts for both men. After John Cena’s shocking heel turn earlier in 2025 — which marked a significant moment as Cena embraced darker tactics — fans have been closely watching for any signs of a “double turn” at SummerSlam that could see Cena redeem himself, and Rhodes descend into villainy.
A detailed analysis leading up to SummerSlam highlighted the compelling character dynamics at play, with John Cena potentially returning to his babyface roots while Cody Rhodes might face increasing crowd opposition. Speculation was rampant that a title-changing heel turn for Rhodes could trigger Cena’s redemption story. Yet, Rhodes’s comments and backstage reports dampen those predictions for now, focusing instead on a continuation of his babyface status as he pursues a victory in a brutal Street Fight against Cena at MetLife Stadium[1][2].
Though the stakes are high, Rhodes himself feels that a heel persona might not translate effectively for him. He joked about how his version of a heel might be so unusual it could undermine his own popularity:
“I wouldn’t even have music. The song would go away. The entrance would go away. I’d try to get myself canceled. I don’t know if it would even translate.”[2]
This self-aware, humorous take underscores that Rhodes prefers to channel his energy and charisma in ways that strengthen, rather than erode, his fanbase.
Backstage Insights: The Importance of Fan Connection for Cody Rhodes
According to a WWE insider familiar with Rhodes’s mindset and the creative process, the champion’s unwavering loyalty to the babyface role stems from a deep respect for his supporters and an understanding of his place in WWE’s narrative landscape:
“Cody truly values the connection he’s built with fans who have believed in him from day one. He knows the babyface role isn’t easy — it’s why so many wrestlers shy away from it — but it’s what sets him apart. Heel turns come and go, but a real bond lasts a lifetime.” — WWE Insider[5]
This perspective captures why Rhodes resists the allure of turning heel despite the potential storyline hook it could provide. Maintaining integrity and relatability to the WWE Universe remains paramount to him.
Why Being a Babyface Is a Special Challenge in WWE Today
Rhodes also touched on the unique challenges babyfaces face in the modern wrestling era, especially with social media amplifying every moment and fan reaction:
“Heels get all the great lines and heat on social — babyfaces have to figure out how to be interesting while taking all the punches.”[4]
This sentiment reveals the complexities behind sustaining a heroic persona amid vocal online environments where fans constantly debate who deserves cheers or boos. Cody’s commitment to navigating this dynamic, rather than opting for the comparatively easier path of a heel, reflects his professional seriousness and personal priorities.
Looking Ahead: The Road to SummerSlam and Beyond
As the WWE Universe awaits the high-profile clash between Cody Rhodes and John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, one thing is clear: Cody Rhodes remains firmly committed to being a heroic presence in WWE. While storyline twists could always emerge later, the current creative direction and Rhodes’s own convictions make a heel turn unlikely in the near future.
With legends and stars like Cena evolving their characters, Rhodes stands out for his dedication to a classic babyface role — one built on resilience, connection, and respect for the fans who propelled him to the top.
Fans can expect an intense match with deep emotional stakes, but not a betrayal of the persona that has defined Cody Rhodes’s WWE career — at least, not for now. As SummerSlam night approaches, WWE’s American Nightmare continues to shine as one of the company’s most genuine and relatable heroes in a complex wrestling world.