10 New Directions For WWE After SummerSlam 2025
2. Cody Rhodes Slowly Turning
It’s gonna be reeeeeeal interesting to see how WWE handles things now Cody Rhodes has the top belt back.
He probably can’t be exactly the same as he was during that first reign, so a heel turn or some kind of edge will be essential tools for Triple H and his creative team. Rhodes has the skills to slow burn that and make it work, and even he must know how uncommon it is for modern-day babyfaces to experience the kind of sustained popularity he has. Most would've been booed out of buildings long before now, so that longevity is something to respect him for.
People like Cody because his story feels real. He does want to honour the memory of his father Dusty, and he does want to give everybody amazing moments/matches they can point to as proud WWE fans. Similarly, he does want to provide for his wife and young daughter. It's all very heartfelt, but even the purest good guys need to step into the darkness every now and then.
Being honest, Rhodes has already teased some heel mannerisms in recent times. He didn't hesitate when kicking the crap out of John Cena on SmackDown a while back, and he seemed ready to end fellow babyface (again) Cena at SummerSlam. Seeing Cody slowly turn into somebody who grows desperate to hold onto this belt so it doesn't slip away a second time should be captivating.
If handled correctly, Rhodes going heel in 2026 could be one million times more satisfying than John's turn at Elimination Chamber 2025 proved to be.