Cody Rhodes' next potential WWE appearance after WrestleMania 41 revealed

The American Nightmare has been absent from WWE programming since WrestleMania 41

‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes has been absent from WWE programming since Night Two of WrestleMania 41 PLE, which emanated on April 20 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rhodes battled John Cena in the main event of the ‘Grandest Stage’ where his Undisputed WWE title was on the line. However, Rhodes was unable to defend the title as Cena, with a little help from Travis Scott, pinned Rhodes to win the title.

The win saw Rhodes’ year-plus title reign coming to an end while Cena broke the tie with Ric Flair and created history by becoming the one and only 17-time WWE World Champion. The win took many by surprise as they contemplated what Cody’s next move would be.

While the American Nightmare was advertised for the SmackDown after WrestleMania show, he did not make any appearance, leading to fans’ speculating. However, a report from WrestleVotes clarified his absence.

Cody Rhodes is spending quality time with his family

According to the report from WrestleVotes (via WrestleTalk), Rhodes was seen spending time with his family in Disney World “earlier” in the week of April 21. 

“He was in Hollywood Studios in Florida with his family at the theme parks, traveling, going on rides, and taking it all in as a father to his daughter,” WrestleVotes reported. “I happen to have somebody down there that ran up and got a selfie with him. So I know for a fact he was with his family enjoying some well-deserved time off.”

The report clarified that Rhodes is currently spending quality time with his family and is enjoying his vacation after being a workhorse champion for so long. However, the report didn’t clarify when he will make an appearance to likely address the loss or to demand a rematch.

Along with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, multiple sources noted that WWE has stopped advertising Cody Rhodes for the May 2 episode as well as the May 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Rhodes is listed for the May 16 episode of SmackDown at the earliest, suggesting that’s likely when he’ll make his return to TV.

The appearance on May 16 show also makes sense, as Cena is currently set to defend the title against Randy Orton, and Rhodes being in the mix would make things complicated for fans to fathom. Rhodes returning after the Backlash PLE to challenge the winner between the two is an exciting proposition for fans, especially considering the upcoming Money in the Bank and SummerSlam PLEs.

Who do you want Rhodes to challenge in his return, and who in your opinion, will walk out of Backlash 2025 with the Undisputed title? Voice your thoughts and predictions in the comments section.

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