Former WWE Champion May Be Returning At Backlash: 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.
Anticipation is building for WWE's Backlash premium live event, with speculation that a significant surprise could be in store for fans in St. Louis. The WWE fans have been without a recent sighting of a top-tier talent, and this Saturday might mark his impactful reappearance.
The main event is expected to be John Cena defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. The WWE Intercontinental Championship will be on the line as Dominik Mysterio faces Penta. Lyra Valkyria is set to defend her WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch. In a non-title special attraction, GUNTHER will go one-on-one with Pat McAfee.
The WWE United States Championship will be contested in a fatal four-way match as champion Jacob Fatu defends against Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest. The superstar at the center of these return rumors is none other than "The American Nightmare," Cody Rhodes.
His absence from WWE programming has been noticeable since his last major encounter in April. Regarding the possibility of Rhodes making an unexpected appearance, a source shared insights with PWInsider.com.
It would make sense for Rhodes to show up as a surprise, and a source stated there has been a least one pitch for Rhodes to return at Backlash. However, they haven't heard 100% that's the direction.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reacts during a tag team fight with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field...
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reacts during a tag team fight with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More
Rhodes' most recent match saw him defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cena. This marquee bout took place on Night 2 of WrestleMania 41, on April 20, 2025, where Cena went over to win the title.
Beyond the championship clash, intriguing rumors suggest a star-studded tag team encounter could be on the horizon as Cena might align with Travis Scott for a future match, considering their on-screen alliance.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Their potential opponents are speculated to be another music powerhouse with proven WWE experience, Bad Bunny, who could find a partner in the returning Cody Rhodes. Such a pairing would undoubtedly create a monumental attraction, blending the worlds of sports entertainment and mainstream music.
There is a backstory as Scott's controversial involvement at WrestleMania 41 saw him play a role in Cena's championship win over Rhodes. Adding further credibility to Scott's potential in-ring future, reports suggest he is currently training with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.
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