Several WWE Figures Rejected Controversial Pitch For Cody Rhodes

There was pushback within WWE against one pitch for Cody Rhodes.

Following Elimination Chamber, it was reported that The Rock initially wanted Cody Rhodes to turn heel instead of John Cena. However, it was claimed that Rhodes turned down the idea, and Cena instead decided to pick up the plan, leading to his current run as WWE’s anti-champion, determined to destroy wrestling.

But, in an interview with Pat McAfee in the days after WrestleMania, The Rock hinted that WWE could still turn Rhodes heel, where he finally sells his soul to The Great One.

In that same interview, The Rock admitted that he never planned to be at WrestleMania 41, despite being integral to the Rhodes/Cena story. He explained that he felt the storyline didn’t need him, and he was initially contacted to appear at Elimination Chamber due to slow ticket sales.

WWE Has Plans For Cody Rhodes

Despite those hints from The Rock, according to a new report from Fightful Select, WWE has no desire to turn Rhodes heel. In fact, the company has plans for a babyface American Nightmare running through the rest of 2025.

One source noted there was an “internal reluctance” to put “too much of a spotlight” on a heel direction for Rhodes. The report added that several people within the company were against the idea of Rhodes turning heel due to his incredible popularity and impact on ticket and merchandise sales.

Cody Rhodes has been missing from WWE television since his loss to John Cena at WrestleMania 41. However, it’s been reported that he’s expected back in the fold for Money In The Bank on June 7. It’s believed Rhodes will return at, or just before, the event.

The hiatus has been Rhodes’ longest non-injury-related absence since he re-signed with WWE in early 2022.