Cody Rhodes was stunned earlier this year when John Cena turned heel for the first time in two decades, which led to the Hollywood heavyweight dethroning Rhodes of the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. A turn for The American Nightmare was then heavily rumored, but has not happened yet, and now sources are revealing a compelling narrative from behind the scenes.
The American Nightmare has admitted to enjoying past heel runs, and a turn on the road to the inaugural two-night SummerSlam was expected by many. In fact, rumors and speculations on a double turn at The Biggest Party of the Summer picked up, despite Cena essentially going into the big event as a babyface.
In the build to SummerSlam, there were conflicting reports on whether or not Rhodes would be turning heel. However, sources denied any plan in place for the turn just a week before the big event, and Cody himself vehemently denied the idea in a pre-SummerSlam interview.
WWE Wanted To Swerve “Hardcore Fans” With Cody Rhodes Teasers For SummerSlam
Officials were aware of what Cody Rhodes’ heel turn teasers would do to the WWE Universe in the lead-up to SummerSlam. A new report from Wrestlevotes notes that everything related to the teasers came as part of a plan targeted at the “hardcore fans” in hopes of throwing them off.
While anything is possible, there are reportedly no plans for the current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to turn heel in the near future now that SummerSlam and the feud with John Cena are over. Regarding a potential turn happening soon, it was noted how a heel Rhodes being on the front of Minute Maid juice cartons would make for an awkward situation.
The American Nightmare has been announced for Friday’s post-SummerSlam edition of SmackDown. The show will air live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.