Cody Rhodes (Image Credits: Imagn)

Could Cody Rhodes Turn Heel After WWE Title Loss?

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Anand Sharma | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 2:19 PM ET

Cody Rhodes — one of WWE’s biggest stars and a fan-favorite babyface recently lost the WWE Championship on last week’s Friday Night SmackDown to Drew McIntyre, igniting intense speculation about his character’s direction. Wrestling fans are now asking a key question: Could Cody Rhodes turn heel after this defeat?

According to insider reports, WWE creative is seriously considering a heel turn for Rhodes as part of a major storyline shift. A heel turn when a wrestler shifts from hero to villain would mark a significant evolution for Rhodes’ character and could reshape WWE programming heading into 2026.

What Happened in Rhodes’ WWE Title Loss

On January 9, 2026, Friday SmackDown Episode, Cody Rhodes dropped the WWE Championship, ending his most recent title reign to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match. The loss was definitive, and the story presented a frustrated, emotionally charged Rhodes who didn’t appear ready to move on quietly.

Considering the fact that before the final Hell in a Cell round, both wrestlers won one round each. However, an interference from returning Jacob Fatu helped Drew McIntyre finally clinch the WWE Undisputed Championship. This leaves fans confused about what’s next for Rhodes.

This reaction has fueled speculation that WWE creative might take Cody’s character in a darker, more unpredictable direction.

Reports Suggest WWE is Considering a Heel Turn

According to recent reports, WWE creative has floated the idea of turning Cody Rhodes heel now that he is no longer champion.

Jacob Fatu has returned, and WWE can use his long-standing storyline of the mystery attacker, who left the Samoan Werewolf on the sidelines, and link it to Cody. And this would leave the entire fraternity shocked, and the former WWE champion would become a new heel character.

The thinking is that a shocking character shift could:

Reignite Rhodes’ storyline with fresh intensity
Create new rivalries at the main event level
Evoke unpredictable reactions from the WWE Universe
Set up a long-term narrative arc leading into major 2026 events such as WrestleMania 42

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Social media and wrestling forums have lit up with debate over the potential heel turn. Some fans feel a villainous Cody Rhodes could be the shock moment WWE needs, while others see value in keeping him as a steadfast hero.

Conclusion

The possibility that Cody Rhodes could turn heel after his recent WWE title loss is very much on the table, according to insider reports. A heel turn would be a clear creative decision aimed at refreshing his character and setting up major storyline opportunities for 2026.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: