Despite The Rock’s persistent interest in a villainous turn for Cody Rhodes, WWE creative has no current plans to alter the American Nightmare’s fan-favorite status. Fightful Select reports company decision-makers rejected earlier heel turn pitches due to Rhodes’ merchandise sales and consistent crowd reactions.
The debate stems from The Rock’s original WrestleMania season storyline proposal, which envisioned Rhodes embracing a darker persona. Instead, WWE pivoted to John Cena’s heel turn while keeping Rhodes as a top babyface through 2025.
WWE’s stance reflects Rhodes’ business impact, with live event gates and merchandise performance reinforcing his value as a heroic figure. The company’s website continues promoting his scheduled SmackDown return on May 16, marking his first appearance since losing to Cena at WrestleMania 41.
Related content
While The Rock has publicly suggested revisiting the heel concept, internal sources indicate WWE remains committed to Rhodes’ current character trajectory. The decision highlights the organization’s data-driven approach to superstar positioning, prioritizing measurable fan engagement over theoretical storyline twists.
READ MORE: Cody Rhodes Advances in 2025 King of the Ring Tournament
