Popular WWE Superstar Could Return Sooner Than Expected: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has been conspicuously absent from WWE television since his shocking Undisputed WWE Championship loss to a newly heel John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025. Now, reports suggest his return could be on the horizon, potentially at the upcoming Money in the Bank Premium Live Event.
Rhodes' journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster for the WWE Universe. He triumphantly defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 in 2024 to "finish the story" and capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, a deeply emotional moment for him and his fanbase.
His reign was a celebrated one, but it came to an unexpected end at WrestleMania 41. There, John Cena, embracing a darker persona, dethroned Rhodes to begin his own record-breaking 17th World Title reign.
Since that pivotal night, Rhodes has been away from WWE programming, presumably regrouping after the significant loss. Fans have been eagerly awaiting his return, largely expecting him to seek retribution against Cena and reclaim his championship.
Initially, much of the speculation surrounding Rhodes's comeback pointed towards a more extended absence. Some observers believed his return might be strategically timed for a major summer event like SummerSlam in August, allowing for a significant rebuild.
A general overall view of Cody Rhodes in the ring against AJ Styles during their 'I Quit' match at WWE's Clash at the Castle, Premium Live Event at The OVO Hydro on June 15, 2024...
A general overall view of Cody Rhodes in the ring against AJ Styles during their 'I Quit' match at WWE's Clash at the Castle, Premium Live Event at The OVO Hydro on June 15, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland.More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
However, new information suggests "The American Nightmare" might resurface sooner. During a recent Q&A on Sportskeeda's WrestleBinge, WrestleVotes provided an update on Rhodes' status for the June 7th Money in the Bank event in Los Angeles, noting he is still scheduled for the show.
The annual Money in the Bank event, with its career-altering briefcase, is still a few weeks away. Rhodes' potential involvement, even in a non-wrestling capacity, would undoubtedly generate significant buzz and could kickstart his next major storyline.
It is important to note that while Rhodes has been locally advertised for SmackDown events as early as May 16th, WWE has not officially announced these appearances on their television programming. "The American Nightmare" was previously removed from other locally advertised tapings during his current hiatus.
Therefore, the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event in Los Angeles on June 7th currently stands as the most concrete reported timeframe for a potential Rhodes return.
More WWE News:
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
The Miz Breaks Silence On R-Truth's Controversial WWE Departure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Superstar The Miz has shared his sentiments regarding the recent news of R-Truth's impending departure from WWE. R-Truth, a beloved veteran, announced on June 1, 2025, that his WWE contract will not be renewed upon its expiration, a development that has saddened many WWE fans and elicited tributes from his peers. Speaking to Fox News Digital, The Miz, who has a significant history with R-Truth as his former tag team partner in "Awesome Truth," expressed his feelings about the situation. "Obviously, I was in a tag team with R-Truth, so it's always sad to see something like that happen," The Miz stated. Despite the unfortunate news of his exit, The Miz remains confident in Truth's ability to find success in his future endeavors. "But I think Truth will bounce on his feet. He's a hell of a talented superstar," The Miz affirmed. The Miz and R-Truth first joined forces as the villainous "Awesome Truth" back in 2011. During that period, they were a heel duo, even capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship and memorably feuding with top WWE Superstars like John Cena, The Rock, Triple H, and CM Punk. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Their antics and in-ring chemistry made them a notable act of that era. More than a decade later, an unexpected and highly popular reunion of Awesome Truth occurred in late 2023 and into 2024. This recent reunion saw the pair once again delighting WWE fans, this time largely as babyfaces, culminating in a feel-good moment at WrestleMania 40 in April 2024. There, Awesome Truth won the Raw Tag Team Championship in a thrilling Six-Pack Ladder Match, a highlight of the weekend for many. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: R-Truth and The Miz react after winning a six-pack tag team ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field... PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: R-Truth and The Miz react after winning a six-pack tag team ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More Alex BierensGiven this recent success and R-Truth's consistent popularity stemming from his comedic timing, unique charisma, and nearly 17-year cumulative WWE career that includes multiple United States and 24/7 Championship reigns, his reported non-renewal by WWE under TKO has been met with surprise and disappointment from WWE fans. The Miz's supportive words for his long-time associate and former champion partner echo the sentiments of many who have appreciated R-Truth's contributions to WWE entertainment. It will be interesting to see what's next for R-Truth now that he is outside of the WWE bubble. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Gizmodo
an hour ago
- Gizmodo
Like Us, the Director of ‘John Wick' Didn't Love ‘The Continental'
This weekend, a new film from the world of John Wick is coming to theaters. It's called Ballerina and we're guessing you've heard about it. But two years ago, did you hear about a full-fledged John Wick streaming series that was on Peacock? Maybe not. The Continental: From the World of John Wick debuted on the streamer in 2023 to average reviews and tepid audience response. It has yet to return. Part of that is probably because two of the most crucial people involved in the John Wick franchise, star Keanu Reeves and co-creator/director/current overseer Chad Stahelski, were not actively involved. And, in a new interview talking about both Ballerina and a new documentary called Wick is Pain, Stahelski sounds more than a little bummed about it. 'Keanu and I were—I wouldn't say sidelined, but our opinion was heard and not really noted,' Stahelski told the Hollywood Reporter. '[The studio] tried to convince me they knew what they were doing. A group of individuals thought they had the magic sauce. But if you take out Basil Iwanyk's producing intuitiveness, if you take out Keanu's way of delivering quirky dialogue and if you take out all the visuals I have in my head from Wong Kar-wai, anime, Leone, Bernardo Bertucci or Andrei Tchaikovsky … then it's not the same thing. They thought this was as easy as using anamorphic lenses, do a kooky hotel, put in weird dialogue, and insert crime drama.' Stahelski continued, admitting his way of doing things doesn't always line up with the status quo. 'If you saw our process, you'd be like, 'You're telling me this billion-dollar franchise does it this way?'' he said. 'I'm scouting my next film in London and we saw a cool location yesterday which totally changed the second act. We rewrote the whole thing. I find great cast members and rewrite their parts constantly. That's what makes [the movies] so good and organic—we're constantly upgrading. But the studio likes to know what they're getting for their buck and want to lock a script for budget reasons. While we're saying, 'Just write the check, we'll see you at the finish line.'' Which, it sounds like, was the case with The Continental. It was not the case, however, with Ballerina, in which both Stahelski and Reeves were involved. And it will not be the case with a potential John Wick 5, which Stahelski knows everyone wants, but he's still not completely sold on. 'I'm not going to lie to you, it's a bit of a conundrum,' he said about bringing Wick, who died in the last film, back. 'Me and Mike Finch— the writer on 4 who's also writing 5—we've got a pretty good story that I think is cool. Once we have a 50-page book, and if we're feeling it, we'll sit with Keanu and shape this thing. Look, everybody seems to want it. It's a matter of whether we crack it. We're actively working on it. It's just … is it going to be satisfying?' As for John Wick 5, we'll have to wait and see. But if you head over to the Hollywood Reporter we promise the rest of Stahelski's interview is incredibly satisfying.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Goldberg Provides Concerning Update Ahead Of WWE Retirement Match
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg is navigating an intense and challenging preparation for his final match under the WWE banner, providing candid updates on his CarCast podcast. He revealed he knows the undisclosed date for his 2025 retirement but is facing significant physical hurdles at age 58. "I know the date (of my retirement match). No one else knows the date public-wise," Goldberg stated (H/T to Fightful). He described the unique undertaking: "And so, at my age, you obviously have to do a lot of different things to get yourself prepared for what I'm about to embark upon... it's uncharted water because not many people my age have done this." His goal is to deliver a performance true to his legacy. "I'm not just showing up to show up. I need to show up and be me and I've tapped into me a little bit more as of late." However, the path has been fraught with difficulties. "...my training, with all injuries and with my age, it makes it extremely difficult to get prepared without going overboard... I hurt myself a couple times in the past three months. But, I pulled back," he admitted. Goldberg emphasized the struggle to balance his warrior mentality with his body's current limitations, especially during Muay Thai training. "It's really tough to have the mentality I do but to have the body that I do now, with the mileage on it... There's a huge balance." LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 08: Bill Goldberg speaks at the roundtable panel during HISTORY's Live Event 'Evel Live' at Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace on July 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 08: Bill Goldberg speaks at the roundtable panel during HISTORY's Live Event 'Evel Live' at Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace on July 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite the toughness, there have been positive moments. "I've been in the ring a couple times. I'm gonna get in the ring again today and it's just tough... Me doing that right there, that was the first day that I felt really good," he shared. Goldberg also discussed the "unrealistic" high bar he sets for himself and the challenges of gaining "good weight." "I eat eight times a day... I was almost up to 270 and I had to back off because I could not function. I felt horrible," he recounted, explaining he has since adjusted his diet. He is determined to impress in his farewell. "Man, I'm never gonna be the way that I used to be by any stretch of the imagination. But dammit, for a 58-year-old guy, I'm gonna be in some seriously awesome shape and I'm gonna freak some people out I believe," Goldberg stated. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation He even hinted at a potential change to his iconic ring attire: "I'm terrified to put those underwear, those trunks on again. I may even go with different kind of trunks, for the only time in my life." The WWE legend is also managing existing injuries. "I'm extremely limited because of my left knee. I can't run... it hurts," he said, noting he uses a sprint bike for cardio. He's also rehabbing a right shoulder that has troubled him for five years: "Hell, I'm working around my shoulder that... six months ago, I couldn't do this (lift my arm). I'm pretty strong now... I haven't been able to use my arm for five years... and I've had to retrain myself to do the normal, daily things." Goldberg's final WWE match is widely expected to take place "in the South," with considerable speculation pointing to the Saturday Night's Main Event on July 12, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia—a city with deep personal and professional ties for him. More WWE News:
