Why didn't Cody Rhodes appear on WWE SmackDown this week (April 25, 2025)?

WWE SmackDown this week didn’t see The American Nightmare

Cody Rhodes was being advertised alongside John Cena for this week’s WWE SmackDown, but even after being advertised, he didn’t show up. So, many fans are confused about why Cody Rhodes didn’t appear on WWE SmackDown.

For starters, Cody Rhodes is coming off a loss against John Cena at WrestleMania 41, so bringing him now won’t mean a thing with John Cena being advertised on the same show. That’s what we thought. But here’s the real reason why Cody Rhodes really couldn’t make it to WWE SmackDown this week.

According to a fresh report from WrestleVotes (via WrestleTalk), Rhodes was seen spending time with his family in Disney World “earlier” in the week of April 21. However, he is still listed as a “Featured Superstar” on WWE’s information page for Friday Night SmackDown on April 25, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.

“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.”

On April 20, 2025, Rhodes’ first reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion ended. He held it for 378 days following his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.

The loss was mostly due to rapper Travis Scott’s interference in the battle. He helped Cena win by distracting Rhodes. It exacerbated Rhodes and Scott’s deteriorating relationship.

Now he looks to be taking a break before returning to the ring. He will undoubtedly face Cena in a rematch, but he may have to wait in line for another chance at the Undisputed WWE Championship.

During his tenure, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his championship against AJ Styles, Logan Paul, Kevin Owens, and Solo Sikoa. He also defeated then-World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at Crown Jewel to capture the inaugural Crown Jewel Championship.

Cena turned on Rhodes at Elimination Chamber in March 2025. He assaulted him after winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, which earned him a shot at Rhodes’ championship at WrestleMania.

Over the next few weeks, Cena and Rhodes traded verbal and physical blows. They had multiple promotions and swaps prior to their showdown.

Rhodes “finished the story” at WrestleMania 40, following years of seeking the WWE Championship. He needed to dethrone Roman Reigns, who had been champion for more over 1,300 days. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also put another stumbling block in Rhodes’ path. Nevertheless, he surmounted the odds.

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