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Is Cody Rhodes Finally Returning to WWE? Here’s What We Know

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 9:37 AM ET

Just when you thought the WWE universe couldn’t get any more predictable, Triple H drops a “spoiler” that has sent ripples of… well, not exactly shock, but certainly interest, through the fanbase. After a brief hiatus from our screens, the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, is set to make his grand return. And where, you might ask? At the ridiculously named WrestlePalooza. Yes, you read that right.

For those of you who’ve been living under a rock, Rhodes has been MIA since the August 8th episode of SmackDown, where Drew McIntyre decided to redecorate the ring with Cody’s face. Since then, the “American Nightmare” has been living the Hollywood dream, getting cast in the Street Fighter movie (because of course he was) and welcoming a new baby into the world. It’s been a busy time for Rhodes, filled with movie sets and diaper changes, but let’s be honest, we all knew he wouldn’t stay away from the squared circle for long. The spotlight is just too alluring.

Triple H Spills the Beans on Cody Rhodes’ Return

During a recent, and characteristically boisterous, appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, WWE‘s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, decided to give the people what they want. With all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to the face, he declared, “I will give you a spoiler right now, Cody will be back in Indianapolis [for WrestlePalooza].” The announcement was met with the kind of manufactured excitement you’d expect, complete with a cringey sing-along to Rhodes’ theme song.

So, the champ is back. Great. But what exactly will he be doing? Triple H, in his infinite wisdom, kept the details tantalizingly vague. Will he be wrestling? Will he just be there to wave at the crowd and remind everyone he still exists? The rumor mill, which never stops churning in the world of pro wrestling, strongly suggests a showdown between Rhodes and the man who sent him packing, Drew McIntyre.

The McIntyre-Rhodes Saga: A Collision Course?

Drew McIntyre hasn’t been shy about his intentions. On a recent podcast appearance, he laid out his master plan with the kind of villainous monologue that would make a Bond baddie proud. He wants to beat Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title, the very championship he feels he carried through the pandemic era. McIntyre painted a picture of a 20-year “relationship” with Rhodes, dismissing him as someone “desperate for attention” and stuck in a 2020 mindset. It’s classic heel behavior, and frankly, it’s the most interesting McIntyre has been in a while.

The “Scottish Warrior” seems dead set on teaching Rhodes “the reality of the wrestling world.” If the reports are true, WrestlePalooza will be the stage for this lesson. A main event clash between these two former “chosen ones” has been heavily rumored for the September 20th show, which marks WWE’s big debut on ESPN’s streaming service. A title defense against the man who attacked him seems like the most logical, and frankly, the only compelling narrative for Rhodes’ return. Anything less would just be a colossal waste of a premium live event spot.

What Else is Happening at WrestlePalooza?

While the return of Cody Rhodes is clearly meant to be the main attraction, WWE is stacking the deck for its ESPN debut. The event, which borrows its name from an old ECW show (a nice, if not slightly desperate, nod to the past), is shaping up to be a pretty significant affair. We’re getting the reunion of The Usos, AJ Lee’s first WWE match in over a decade alongside her husband CM Punk, and a title match for the vacant Women’s World Championship between Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer.

But let’s be real, all eyes will be on Cody Rhodes. Will he stride into Indianapolis, theme music blaring, and defend his title against the vengeful McIntyre? Or will WWE pull a fast one and have him do something utterly pointless? Given the stakes of this new ESPN partnership, one would hope for the former. The stage is set for a dramatic return, a heated rivalry, and a main event with real consequences. Now, we just have to wait and see if WWE can stick the landing. No pressure, Cody.

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

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