Did Cody Rhodes turn heel turn against John Cena on WWE SmackDown (7/18/25) ahead of SummerSlam?

Cody Rhodes vs John Cena is officially a Street Fight

The July 18 episode of WWE SmackDown ended in chaos, as Cody Rhodes forced John Cena into a Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025. But what’s turning more heads than the match announcement is the way Rhodes went about it, displaying behaviour that’s anything but babyface.

The confrontation began with John Cena revealing he wouldn’t be part of SummerSlam this year. However, as he walked up the ramp, Cody intercepted him, dragged him back to the ring, and battered him before forcing him to sign the match contract.

Cody Rhodes even struck Cena with the Undisputed WWE Championship, an act that drew gasps from the WWE Universe. It was a side of Cody we haven’t seen in a long time. And it might just be a sign of what’s to come.

Whether @JohnCena likes it or not he will be at SummerSlam… in a STREET FIGHT 🔥@CodyRhodes pic.twitter.com/cAjVb7mPfK

— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2025

Cody Rhodes showing heel symptoms

This wasn’t just a heated moment. Over the past few weeks, WWE has subtly planted seeds of a potential heel turn for Rhodes. The most telling sign? His own words on SmackDown. Cody claimed he “won’t flinch this time,” signaling that he’s done playing fair.

“You Either Die A Hero, or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become The Villain.”It's just matter of Time…🔥😩 pic.twitter.com/XRqDLdlzh1

— Ceaser Wrestling (@CeaserWrestles) July 19, 2025

The use of force against Cena, coupled with his willingness to cross lines typically reserved for villains, further strengthened this narrative. These weren’t the actions of a man fighting for honor. These were the actions of someone desperate to reclaim his place atop the mountain, no matter the cost.

Is Cody Rhodes going to align with the Rock?

Fans online also noticed subtle visual cues that may hint at Cody’s new direction. In a backstage segment, Rhodes was seen wearing glasses reminiscent of The Rock’s final WWE look. More notably, he sported a wristwatch many believe is the same one The Final Boss gifted him earlier this year.

– Cody Rhodes wore glasses on TV for the first time same style The Rock wore during his Netflix debut when he hugged him.– Cody also had on the same watch The Rock posted on Instagram when he returned.I know I’m reaching hard here… but it might be happening 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/vCDEZEYCsx

— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) July 19, 2025

Let’s not forget, it was The Rock who first told Cody he could “sell his soul” to claim the title. Cody initially refused. However, now, everything, from the visual symbolism to his actions, suggests that he is reconsidering the offer.

Potential double turn in play at WWE SummerSlam

If Cody does turn heel at SummerSlam, WWE could be planning something even bigger—a double turn. As Rhodes embraces the dark side, Cena may re-emerge as the beloved hero fans have always known.

With Cena rumored to be on his farewell run, reclaiming his babyface status could be the perfect sendoff. And with the WWE Universe clearly siding with him after SmackDown.

The stage is set for an emotional shift in both characters. Only time will tell if Cody’s actions were a one-off or the first step in a full-blown alliance with The Final Boss.

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