Cody Rhodes shouldn't return to WWE for a while, says Hall of Famer, after heartbreaking loss at WrestleMania 41

Modified Apr 23, 2025 14:38 GMT

Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41! [Image credit: WWE.com] — Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41! [Image credit: wwe.com]

Cody Rhodes' reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion ended at WrestleMania 41 at the hands of John Cena. Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley thinks The American Nightmare shouldn't return to the Stamford-based promotion for a while.

Earlier this year, John Cena turned heel and aligned with The Rock in the pursuit of his 17th World Championship. The Franchise Player achieved his goal at WrestleMania 41 with the help of Travis Scott, defeating The American Nightmare for the title in Las Vegas.

On Busted Open, the WWE Hall of Famer said that Cody Rhodes shouldn't return to the Stamford-based promotion anytime soon. Dudley added that fans should feel Rhodes' absence and his loss from WrestleMania 41 before The American Nightmare returns to address it.

"I would like to see them wait a while, personally. I would like the whole absence makes the heart grow fonder. Where's Cody Rhodes? We haven't heard from him? What's up with Cody? Now, when Cody finally comes back, we're finally ready to hear from him," Dudley said. (From 11:28 to 11:46)

Rhodes' loss was heartbreaking for many fans as they felt Cena used underhanded tactics to capture the coveted gold.

WWE advertised Cody Rhodes for Money in the Bank 2025

Earlier this year, Cody Rhodes faced the biggest challenge of his career as the Undisputed WWE Champion when John Cena won the Men's Elimination Chamber match and aligned with The Rock. Later, The Franchise Player lived up to his promise and won the title from The American Nightmare in Las Vegas.

After breaking Ric Flair's record, John Cena addressed his opponent from WrestleMania 41 and received loud boos. The new Undisputed WWE Champion defended The American Nightmare, but Randy Orton appeared and attacked The Franchise Player.

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Many questioned where Cody Rhodes was after WrestleMania, and it might be a while before he appears on TV. Recently, the company revealed the official poster for Money in the Bank in California. The poster did have Rhodes on it, and this might be where The American Nightmare could return to the Stamford-based promotion.

If you use quotes from the article, please credit Busted Open and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.

About the author

Aakaansh is a WWE news writer in Sportskeeda. After getting hooked on professional wrestling in 2008 watching WWE and TNA, he found himself admiring the work ethic and passion of the wrestlers for their craft, the business, and the industry as a whole.

With a post-graduate degree in writing, and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication, Aakaansh's knack for writing and love of pro wrestling eventually led him to SK seven years ago before he found a permanent place in the division in 2021, initially writing SEO content and transitioning to news in April 2022.

He is committed to producing detailed, factual, and unbiased reports free of opinion, which will resonate with both long-term and newer fans. When not writing about pro wrestling, Aakaansh is engaged in the dynamic worlds of pop culture, anime, and Fortnite.

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Edited by Aakaansh Sukale