News

Cody Rhodes Officially Retires Ahead Of WWE SummerSlam, But There’s A Twist

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published Jul 19, 2026 19:25 EDT
cody rhodes wwe
Cody Rhodes on SmackDown, April 24, 2026 - Source: WWE.com

Cody Rhodes made a shocking announcement at the WWE SummerSlam Kickoff show.

The American Nightmare teamed up with the Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk to beat Sami Zayn and Gunther last night at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Rhodes is now set to challenge The Second City Saint for the title at SummerSlam.

Ahead of his highly anticipated match, the former Undisputed WWE Champion appeared on the SummerSlam Kickoff show tonight. He addressed flopping the field goal kicking challenge during the Fanatics Games.

Cody Rhodes Announces His Retirement From the Fanatics Games, But…

The American Nightmare admitted he had no excuses for his struggles at the Fanatics Games before jokingly announcing his retirement from the competition.

However, Cody Rhodes quickly changed his mind, saying he would come out of retirement to compete at next year’s Fanatics Games.

Listen, I could say something clever, like, ‘Well, the quarterback doesn’t kick the ball, he only holds it.’ But the reality is, I learned something from The Undertaker a long time ago: when you screw up, you have to come forward.

I have no excuse. This is now my second Fanatics Games, and now I have some breaking news. Michael Rubin has put on such a wonderful event for us at Fanatics Fest. I would like to officially hang up my jersey. I’m announcing it today: I am now retired from the Fanatics Games.

You know what? I’m coming out of retirement! I will compete next year at the Fanatics Games. [H/T: Ringside News]

Also read: BREAKING: Triple H Announces WWE Star’s In-Ring Return After 3 Years At SummerSlam

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.