WWE Has No Plans To Make Top Superstar A Heel: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Despite the tease of Cody Rhodes embracing a heel persona earlier this year, culminating in his Undisputed WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 41, current plans within WWE indicate WWE wants to stay away from the idea of turning him heel.
A new report from Fightful Select suggests that the company does not intend to continue presenting "The American Nightmare" as a heel in the months to come. This development follows earlier confirmations from Fightful that the concept of a Rhodes heel turn was indeed formally pitched to him as a potential creative path.
At the time of that initial proposal, sources close to the situation revealed a degree of hesitation from those around Rhodes regarding such a drastic shift, primarily citing his remarkable success as a babyface.
If it's not broken, then why fix it? His strong merchandise sales, consistent ability to draw large crowds, and the overwhelmingly positive reactions he garners from WWE fans were all significant factors weighing against the heel turn.
WWE icon The Rock recently stated that the idea of future possibilities for Rhodes is still out there during an appearance on Pat McAfee's show. The Rock suggested WWE could explore a storyline involving Rhodes turning heel again or even a scenario of "Cody selling Rock his soul."
The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as...
The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreMore news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
In fact, the prevailing sentiment within WWE appears to be a firm commitment to Rhodes as a leading babyface. The report states that "the company had creative plans for him as a babyface throughout the year," signaling a clear direction for his championship reign and storylines moving forward. This decision carefully considers Rhodes' connection with the audience and his value to the company in his established heroic role.
It's believed that Rhodes is going to stay off television for a few more weeks, as he has been off television since WrestleMania when he put over Cena. The speculation is that he will be back once it's time for him to pick up his feud with Cena, likely this summer. Whether that actually transpires remains to be seen. There is also a floating idea that Rhodes could team up with Bad Bunny to work a tag team match with Travis Scott and Cena.
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
Fox News
3 hours ago
- Fox News
Pro wrestling star Shotzi Blackheart's sultry reason for AEW interest
Shotzi Blackheart will be featured in several independent pro wrestling shows over the next few months after she departed WWE following roughly six years with the company. She appeared on "The Ariel Helwani Show" on Tuesday and discussed the promotions she would be interested in joining as she attempts to find a full-time home. She mentioned that she loved All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Total Nonstop Action wrestling and watches their programming. She explained why AEW would be her preference if she had a choice. "For so many reasons," she said. "I love their freedom. I have a lot of friends there who are doing really awesome things. I've heard many stories of how (AEW co-owner) Tony (Khan) treats talent. I do love that he really cares for his talent – that is super important to me. "And like, hot girls get to make out with each other, so, like, that's cool." For what it's worth on Shotzi's latter point, AEW stars Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa shared a kiss after their match at Double or Nothing last month. Storm faces Mercedes Moné for the AEW Women's Championship at All In next month. Shotzi, whose real name is Ashley Urbanski, also made clear she loved working for WWE and was only unhappy when she wasn't being used. "I mean, I would love to be back at WWE," she said. "I loved working there. I didn't love not working there. It was only when I wasn't being used that I was unhappy, but anytime I was being used, good time – love the locker room, loved everyone I was working for. That's just it. I just don't want to go back and not work." Shotzi attempted to join WWE through the company's "Tough Enough" challenge in 2015. IT wasn't until 2019 that she joined the NXT brand and worked her way to the main roster. She was an NXT women's tag-team champion with Embar Moon, who wrestles as Athena in the AEW-affiliated Ring of Honor. She was also named the 2020 NXT Breakout Star of the Year. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Wants To Join AEW
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. Recently released WWE star Shotzi has named AEW as her preferred destination, citing the company's creative freedom and the reputation of its president, Tony Khan, as key factors. In a candid interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Shotzi discussed her future after her WWE contract was not renewed in May. While she would be open to a return to WWE, she made it clear that AEW is her top choice for a new home. Why AEW Is Her Preference Shotzi explained that her desire to join AEW comes from a place of wanting creative freedom and a supportive environment. She also named several dream opponents she would love to face in the promotion. "I love TNA, I love AEW... AEW is my preference," Shotzi stated. "I love their freedom, I have a lot of friends there who are doing really awesome things. I've heard many stories of how Tony Khan treats talent. So, yeah, I do love that he really cares for his talent. That is super important to me." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation When asked who she would want to face, she immediately named the ROH Women's World Champion. "First thing that comes to mind, Athena. I think that she's so awesome. I honestly think that she's the best women's wrestler in the world," she said. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. On Her WWE Release And Potential Return Shotzi was let go by WWE shortly after returning from a torn ACL that kept her out of action for most of 2024. She admitted that being released after working hard to come back from such a major injury was difficult. "When you're going through such a huge injury like that... you hope that, 'Well, if I work really hard and come back even better, maybe I'll get rewarded,'" she said. "But unfortunately for me, I was let go." She believes the reason for her release was simple. "WWE doesn't owe me anything. That's showbiz, right? They just didn't think that I was money and that's okay. I can take that." As for a potential return to the company, she is open to it, but with one major condition. "I would love to be back at WWE. I loved working there. I didn't love not working there, you know what I'm saying? It was only when I wasn't being used that I was unhappy," she explained. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Chelsea Green Pitches Rare Gimmick Match Against WWE Legend
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 Chelsea Green has her sights set on a high-stakes dream match for the upcoming all-women's Evolution premium live event. Speaking on the Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Green pitched a "Hair vs. Hair" match against WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella. The former champion detailed several dream scenarios for the July 13th event, but saved her most dramatic idea for the returning Bella. Nikki recently made her own return to RAW, beginning a feud with Liv Morgan in the build to Evolution. Chelsea Green's High-Stakes Pitch When asked about her ideal match for the historic show, Green did not hesitate to raise the stakes. She envisions a bout where the loser would be forced to have their head shaved. "Me vs. Nikki Bella. I would love to do a me versus Nikki Bella Hair vs. Hair Match," Green said. "One of us gets our head shaved. One of us ends up with a peanut head." HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Chelsea Green reacts after her fight against Natalya during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Chelsea Green reacts after her fight against Natalya during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensA New Path In The Queen Of The Ring Tournament Before any potential match at Evolution can materialize, Green has another major opportunity in front of her. She is set to compete in the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament. The tournament winner receives a championship match at SummerSlam. Green will be in action on an upcoming episode of SmackDown in a first-round Fatal 4-Way qualifying match against Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Candice LeRae. The third annual Queen of the Ring tournament began on the June 9, 2025, episode of Monday Night RAW. The 16-woman tournament features a new format for its opening round, with four Fatal 4-Way matches. The winners of these matches advance to the semifinals, with the tournament final taking place at the Night of Champions premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 28, 2025. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This comes after her reign as the inaugural WWE Women's United States Champion came to an end in April. After a 132-day reign, she lost the title to Zelina Vega on an episode of SmackDown and was unsuccessful in her rematch at Saturday Night's Main Event. A strong showing in the Queen of the Ring tournament would put her right back in championship contention. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
