Top three things Cody Rhodes can do in his WWE return

The American Nightmare suffered defeat at WrestleMania 41!

‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes failed in his tenth title defense as John Cena pinned him in the main event of WrestleMania 41 (Sunday) to capture his historic 17th WWE World title. The win ended Rhodes’ title reign at 378 days.

Since the loss, Rhodes has been absent from WWE programming, and despite being advertised for an appearance on SmackDown after WrestleMania, the American Nightmare did not appear, leaving fans speculating.

Here we take a look at the top three things Rhodes can do in his WWE return after suffering the humiliating loss at WrestleMania.

3. Explore new character dynamics

The American Nightmare has experimented with various characters throughout his career. However, his recent persona has become iconic, and a massive alteration might turn disastrous, but Cody bringing sheer ruthlessness following the loss would help him a lot in getting back to the title.

As Cena famously said, Rhodes will eventually face a decision: to seize the opportunity or pass it up. Cody famously encountered this moment at WrestleMania when he refused to strike Cena with the title, a move Cena executed without hesitation, ultimately leading to his victory. Rhodes, in his return, has to make such choices not spending time contemplating the ethics.

Also Read: Cody Rhodes’ next potential WWE appearance after WrestleMania 41 revealed

2. Call out Travis Scott

Another mistake of Rhodes was to dismiss Travis Scott despite the latter severely brusing him during the heinous attack in the final moments of the Elimination Chamber 2025 involving John Cena and The Rock. Rhodes not taking care of Travis Scott cost him as the rapper interfered in the match, helping Cena win while Rhodes only got to land one cross Rhodes on Scott, which again ultimately helped Cena.

In his return, Cody Rhodes should challenge Scott to a singles match, potentially at the next PLE which is Money in the Bank, and after taking care of Scott, he can ask for a rematch against Cena.

1. Challenge the winner of the Backlash title clash

Cena is set to defend the Undisputed WWE title against a familiar foe in Randy Orton at the upcoming Backlash PLE on May 10. While Rhodes defeating Cena in a rematch would be the ultimate goal but if Orton manages to dethrone Cena and win his 15th World title, a healthy clash between the two friends for the title would definitely not be frowned upon by fans.

The promotion already teased a storyline between the two ahead of WrestleMania 41, when Orton, in a segment, announced that he is aiming for the title and will challenge Rhodes after Mania. With the roles being reversed, Cody can challenge for the same if Randy wins at Backlash.

What should be on Cody Rhodes’ agenda when he makes his WWE return following the title loss? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section.

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