WWE Issues Huge Cody Rhodes Update Amid Ongoing Mysterious Absence
Cody Rhodes is currently absent from WWE programming after Drew McIntyre mauled him.
On August 8, 2025, during WWE SmackDown, McIntyre brutally attacked The American Nightmare after their match ended in disqualification. McIntyre unleashed his fury by smashing Rhodes with his own title belt before delivering a devastating Claymore Kick that sent Rhodes crashing through the announcers’ table. Rhodes lay motionless on the floor, requiring medical assistance and effectively being written off TV.
This attack happened weeks before WWE Clash in Paris, explaining Cody Rhodes’s absence from the event. WWE has not officially provided a clear timeline for his return, but a major update has come to light. He is not advertised for any of the Friday Night SmackDown shows in September. However, he is advertised for the October 3 edition of SmackDown, which will take place at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Therefore, the WWE Universe may get to see him back in action next month.
Why is Cody Rhodes Absent From WWE TV?
Cody Rhodes is currently filming for the live-action “Street Fighter” movie, portraying the iconic character Guile. The film is a reboot of the popular fighting game franchise and features an ensemble cast including Roman Reigns and other notable stars. Filming began in August 2025 in Australia and is expected to continue through late September.
This scheduling conflicts with WWE appearances, explaining Rhodes’ absence from recent TV shows and the Clash in Paris PLE. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Rhodes will complete filming for the upcoming movie by September 20.
Amidst his WWE absence, Rhodes and his wife, Brandi, also welcomed their second child, Leilani Ella Runnels, on August 29, 2025. This news came as a surprise to many, as the couple had kept their second pregnancy really private. Fans only got the news when Brandi herself broke it on Instagram with a picture of holding her baby’s hands with a caption “Welcome to the world Leilani Ella Runnels. We are in love. Thank you God for answered prayers. Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani = ❤️”
Their couple has another daughter named Liberty Iris Runnels, who was born on June 18, 2021. They are also a proud Siberian Husky named Pharaoh, who has appeared alongside Rhodes on both AEW and WWE programming.