Video Package Hyping Cody Rhodes' Return Airs On WWE Raw
American Nightmare last wrestled at Hell in a Cell with a torn pectoral.
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When a wrestler goes down with an injury, most times WWE pretends that superstar doesn't exist up until they make a surprise return, popping the crowd and hopefully juicing the product. When that injury and recovery time coincides with the Royal Rumble, you really see WWE go radio silent to maximize the surprise.
However, with Cody Rhodes, the opposite seems to be true.
Rhodes went down with a torn pectoral in June, last wrestling at Hell in a Cell. While he hasn't been talked about constantly, his name has come up a few times on WWE programming since, including an interview with Cody on Raw's recap show last week.
But Monday night, a video package aired tracing Rhodes' departure and return to the company, including footage of his father's quest to become WWF Champion decades earlier. The video, which is the first in a series, had a clear purpose of stating why Rhodes came back to WWE and what he was hoping to accomplish before he went down with his torn pec.
The journey continues for @CodyRhodes.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/xabd2SnZfn
Advertisement— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2023
This all likely will culminate in Rhodes entering the Royal Rumble at the end of the month, with the goal being to build anticipation and excitement for the American Nightmare's return rather than just trying to get a crowd pop on that night.
It's an interesting strategy, but if WWE is still intent on having Cody dethrone Roman Reigns - or at least seriously challenge him at WrestleMania 39 - you want to start as hot as possible.