Ex-WWE star comments on Cody Rhodes' future following heartbreaking loss to John Cena at WrestleMania 41

Cody Rhodes gave his all at WWE WrestleMania 41 against John Cena, but The Franchise Player's heel antics prevailed in Las Vegas, as he became a record-setting 17-time World Champion. Meanwhile, Stevie Richards recently commented on what The American Nightmare needed to do next following his heartbreaking loss.

Cody dominated the blue brand as the Undisputed WWE Champion for a year before he lost the title to John Cena last weekend. The American Nightmare also became the face of the promotion and went to war against The Leader of Cenation before succumbing to his and Travis Scott's antics in Las Vegas.

Speaking on The Stevie Richards Show, the former WWE Hardcore Champion commented on The American Nightmare's future. The 53-year-old star stated Rhodes should remain in the dark until the management figured out the best way to insert him into the title picture again.

"I think it's a better idea for him to not be on TV, not be on social media, and be dark until they really figure out how to get him rolling again, Richards said. [From 55:21 to 55:32]

WWE Hall of Famer doesn't want Cody Rhodes to make an immediate return after WrestleMania 41

Cody Rhodes is nowhere to be seen or heard after his defeat to The Franchise Player at WrestleMania 41 Night Two.

Speaking on Busted Open, Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley said the 39-year-old should take a while before returning to the weekly product, as fans are currently busy basking in John Cena's 17th world championship win. Ray added that the audience must miss The American Nightmare before he returns to the company.

"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]

It'll be interesting to see when Rhodes returns to weekly programming.

If you use quotes from the article, please credit The Stevie Richards Show 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