Plans Change For Cody Rhodes’ WWE Return

Despite being a heavy favourite for the men’s 2023 Royal Rumble Match, it appears that Cody Rhodes will not be making a surprise appearance.

Cody Rhodes has been out of action since suffering a serious pectoral injury in the lead up to his match with Seth Rollins at Hell In A Cell in June. Despite suffering the injury, Rhodes competed in the match as planned and even pulled out the win. The bout received acclaim across the board, especially given Rhodes’ physical condition at the time.

Shortly after the match the American Nightmare underwent successful surgery and has been working hard to get back in the ring ever since.

Ever since Rhodes went down with the injury it has been believed that he will be a surprise entrant in the 2023 Royal Rumble Match, potentially going on to win. This in turn would set up a huge World Title Match at WrestleMania 39. However, it has now been reported that despite the speculation, this will seemingly not be the case.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Rhodes will “absolutely not” be making a surprise appearance in the Rumble. Instead his return will be built up through “multipart series.”

“So I had always figured that Cody Rhodes return would be a surprise at the Royal Rumble, but it is absolutely not going to be. They’re going to they’re doing a multipart series, building up his return. So there you go. He’s evidently slotted in a high place at Wrestlemania.”

Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Monday Night Raw in a short interview segment where he addressed his return.

H/t to NoDQ