When will Cody Rhodes return to WWE? Potential injury timeline disclosed

Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship at Saturday Night's Main Event. He defeated Kevin Owens in the main event of the show.

However, things didn't end up well for The American Nightmare, as he was assaulted by KO after the match and left the ring on a stretcher, following a piledriver from the former World Champion.

Rhodes was hospitalized, and WWE provided an update on his condition without announcing any timetable for his return.

"Earlier today it was confirmed that Cody Rhodes suffered cervical swelling and was kept overnight at a local hospital for observation. While X-Rays were negative for a fracture, Rhodes has been officially diagnosed with axial compression of the cervical spine, as well as a cervical strain with spasm," WWE announced on X.

There is no clear timetable for returning from such injuries. It could take The American Nightmare a few weeks to a few months, but if the injury is part of the storyline, he should be back sometime in January and before the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on February 1.

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WWE expected to continue Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens' rivalry after Saturday Night's Main Event

The ending of the title match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens provided new angles to the storyline, with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H confronting KO when the show went off the air.

However, The Game, who has retired from in-ring action, is not expected to return. Instead, a report from Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda suggested that WWE will continue the rivalry between Rhodes and KO.

"I was informed that Triple H's physical involvement following Kevin Owens's post-match attack on Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night's Main Event is only to elevate Owens as a heel, and the Cody/Owens feud is slated to continue. A Triple H in-ring return is not in the plans at this time," Featherstone wrote on X.

There is no indication of what WWE will do next or whether they will punish Kevin Owens for his actions on Saturday. They may keep him out until The American Nightmare recovers from the injuries he sustained in Owens' post-match attack.

With that in mind, a rematch at the second edition of Saturday Night's Main Event in San Antonio on January 25 seems likely.