Cody Rhodes addresses conversation around his heel turn & comments on WWE WrestleMania 41 match with John Cena

The American Nightmare won the 2025 King of the Ring tournament!

‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes recently secured a shot against John Cena for the Undisputed WWE title at SummerSlam, after defeating Randy Orton in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament, which was held at Night of Champions 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last week.

Rhodes is now set to battle Cena in a rematch from WrestleMania 41, and ahead of the clash, he addressed the conversation surrounding his supposed heel turn as well as fans’ disappointment with the WrestleMania 41 match against Cena.

Cody Rhodes hints at the possibility of a heel turn

In a recent appearance on the Busted Open Radio, the American Nightmare was asked about the speculations from fans that he may turn heel, Rhodes stated that he doesn’t know if a heel turn is likely before he hangs up his wrestling boot but hinted at it, invoking the ‘never say never’ caveat.

Rhodes also noted that the discussion about his heel turn only exists on social media.

“One thing I noticed about that (heel turn conversation), it only really exists on X — is that — and it’s deep, the discussion.”

Rhodes continued pointing out that turning heel is a complex topic, and while many in wrestling can play both hero and villain, he’s unsure if that’s a path he’ll take during the remainder of his career.

“It’s a deep discussion and I don’t even — yeah, you never say never in wrestling but, plenty of people in wrestling have got the capacity for the light and the dark but, I don’t know. I don’t know if we’re on that road in the time I have left within my time in wrestling. Who knows though?… You never wanna say never…”

Cody Rhodes takes responsibility for the finish at WrestleMania 41

During his appearance on Busted Open Radio, Rhodes addressed the finish of his WrestleMania 41 match with John Cena, acknowledging that many fans were disappointed and taking full responsibility for how it played out.

Rhodes also shared that he’s aiming to give the WWE Universe a chance to make up for what transpired at Allegiant Stadium this past April.

“But yes, SummerSlam, I don’t want to go as far as making any promises. But I can tell you, the goal with SummerSlam is if people felt a certain way about WrestleMania, I would put that all on my back and take all the credit and responsibility for perhaps not feeling satisfied.

I’d like to get them to the finish line with SummerSlam. Very much looking forward to doing this dance again.”

Since his return, Rhodes has also defeated the team of Cena and Logan Paul alongside Jey Uso at Money in the Bank 2025, and now, after his King of the Ring, he is looking to take back the World title.

The 2025 edition of SummerSlam is scheduled as a two-night affair for August 2 and August 3 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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