Cody Rhodes claims he’s still working on major WWE title change

Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion. He will pass the six-month mark of his first reign in just one week. While Cody is focused on being a fighting champion, the SmackDown Superstar is also committed to making major fan-requested moments happen, and his next big change has been dreamed of for several years.

The American Nightmare is widely regarded as one of the most fan-friendly superstars on the roster. This is reflected in Cody's recent milestone to mark massive merchandise sales. Rhodes returned to World Wrestling Entertainment in April 2022 and almost immediately began discussing the potential return of the Winged Eagle version of the WWE Championship. Talk of the change was welcomed by the WWE Universe, and mentioned again by Rhodes in countless interviews since then.

Widely regarded as the greatest championship design ever, Hulk Hogan introduced the Winged Eagle on February 5, 1988, during The Main Event, right before dropping the title to Andre the Giant. The new championship design carried the company through a new era and boom period, to the Monday Night Wars, and was held by several all-time greats. Steve Austin's first WWE Championship reign began after defeating Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 in 1998, but a new belt was introduced on RAW the following night as the Winged Eagle look was retired.

The Grandson of a Plumber has not given up on the return of the Winged Eagle. Speaking to Superstar Crossover, the 18-year industry veteran was asked for an update on the belt's potential comeback. Cody confirmed that he is still working to make it happen, but he did not provide any kind of timeline.

"I am so glad you asked. Please know, anyone who ever heard me say the words 'Winged Eagle Title,' I actively am still on the hunt. I am still on the mission, and if anything, I have shown in the past, even if it’s for a single night or fleeting, I try to be a man of my word. So, I’m working on it," Cody Rhodes said. [From 13:33 to 13:54]

Rhodes is a two-time Intercontinental Champion. Cody introduced a new belt design not long after beginning his first reign in August 2011. This was a modified version of the classic white-strap belt, seen by many as the best Intercontinental Championship design of all time. WWE kept this look until November 2019.

Cody Rhodes to make surprise WWE SmackDown appearance?

World Wrestling Entertainment will return to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for Friday's SmackDown. This will be the go-home show for Bad Blood, which airs the following day from State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Cody Rhodes has not been announced for SmackDown as of this writing. However, the Undisputed Champion is scheduled for a signing at Red Spirits & Wine in Nashville at 10am ET, just hours before SmackDown airs. Furthermore, Cody is front-and-center on SmackDown advertising on the company website and the arena website.

It was recently revealed that Cody has another big non-WWE appearance booked in Nashville the night before SmackDown. Roman Reigns is also rumored to appear on SmackDown for the final build to Bad Blood, where he and Cody will face Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.