Cody Rhodes may be testing the waters on a potential name change in WWE following his recent win at the 2025 King of the Ring tournament. Rhodes appeared on WWE programming Friday night carrying his King of the Ring crown. He talked about the importance of winning it and later teased on social media that he might start referring to himself with a new moniker: "The Nightmare King."
Nightmare King@WWEpic.twitter.com/Q514YZ81rd— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) July 5, 2025
The win set him up for a match against John Cena at SummerSlam, but Rhodes isn't one to waste an opportunity. The King of the Ring tournament, once a cornerstone of WWE programming dating back to its major pay-per-view era in 1993, isn't what it once was. However, Rhodes is a stickler for nostalgia and has brought back beloved items from the past during his recent run in WWE.
Wearing regal purple attire—a color long associated with Kings of the past in WWE, he may be positioning himself as WWE's new modern era King. He likely won't go full cape and crown, but the name suggestion hints he might make use of his new role.
Fans have been quick to weigh in on the possible name change, with many embracing the "Nightmare King" moniker. Social media lit up with reactions such as: “Nightmare King has a nice ring to it. Can't wait to see what's next!” and “That crown is right where it belongs!!”
While WWE has not officially confirmed a change to Rhodes’ ring name, it would be an easy switch to go from the American Nightmare to Nightmare King. And, when his run as the King is done, switching back is no problem.
The seeds have been planted, and it will be intriguing to see if Cody runs with it. Whether this was a one-time nod to his King of the Ring win or the beginning of a subtle shift in his character remains to be seen.
What do you think of Nightmare King? Is this a cool new name that will work for Cody and open up the door to new merchandise and revenue streams? Or, is he trying to fix what isn't broken?
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