At WrestleMania 38 in 2022, Cody Rhodes made his surprising and triumphant return to the WWE after almost six years. During his time away from the WWE, Cody completely reinvented himself from a mid-carder to a prominent name in wrestling with his hard work and perseverance. Ever since his return, The American Nightmare has climbed the mountain to become one of the biggest stars of the company in just a year.
Although Cody Rhodes was out of action for months due to a torn pectoral muscle, he returned as an even bigger star. At the Royal Rumble 2023, Rhodes entered the men’s Rumble match and ended up winning the whole thing. The victory set the stage for Cody to headline WrestleMania 39 against Cody Rhodes. However, he failed to win the biggest match of his career.
Este final sádico por parte de Brock Lesnar. No le soltaba a Cody Rhodes ni en un mes. #WWENOC pic.twitter.com/ofyGqpy2a9
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) May 27, 2023
The loss eventually infuriated the fans, as they thought The American Nightmare was the only man to do the job. Later, he got inserted into a brutal feud with Brock Lesnar. The Beast Incarnate decimated Cody on Raw after WrestleMania 39 for still undisclosed reasons. At Backlash, Cody was able to defeat Lesnar in the first chapter of their feud.
However, the rivalry was far from over as the rematch took place at the Night of Champions PLE. This time Brock ended up defeating Rhodes as a result of the submission. Meanwhile, a loss for Cody against Lesnar in the midst of their feud means fans are yet to see another match in the trilogy of this feud. However, judging by the reaction, the rivalry has not been captivating enough for another match.
WWE Universe accuses Triple H of ruining the return and momentum of Cody Rhodes
When Cody Rhodes made his return to WWE, Vince McMahon was in charge of the creatives. However, during his hiatus due to injury, things changed drastically, and Triple H took over the creative control. That meant booking Cody’s return this year perfectly was Hunter’s responsibility. However, fans are not pleased with Rhodes’ booking ever since his Mania loss to Roman Reigns.
Cody Rhodes is the most over wrestler in WRESTLING
Not sure how any companmy can drop the ball on this guy
Only an inept company would do that
Just saying#WWENOC
— JobberNationTV: THE REALITY CHECK FOR THE IWC (@JobberNationTV) May 27, 2023
Cody’s a joke he thought it was coming WWE and get that title opportunity that Vince promised him but triple H had another story for being that he’s the author of Cody Rhodes story. I guess him tapping out means you fans going to have to sit through one more trilogy match. booooo
— Coxson_T80 (@CoxsonT80) May 28, 2023
Cody Rhodes turning into a jobber😂😭
— Dylan🇺🇸 (@Drocha215) May 27, 2023
Since #AEW Double or Nothing is tomorrow here’s a look back at the First Double or Nothing PPV Where Cody Rhodes took a Sledgehammer to Triple H’s Throne (5/25/2019) pic.twitter.com/TFfi9FjBoC
— TobyTakeOver (@TobyTakeOver) May 27, 2023
Cody Rhodes is my universal champion.
Triple H started off hot and has turned into I don’t know what…
La knight and ford fighting each other in a qualifier. 🤮🤮
It’s been booked poorly the last few weeks
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) May 27, 2023
Welcome To my Show, Cody Rhodes. -Triple H pic.twitter.com/riEc7sGOBD
— Danielly Mcintyreᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@DannyMLOficial) May 27, 2023
Triple H really hates Cody Rhodes. Like what is his problem? #WWENOC
— avinash (@josie_dark) May 27, 2023
Although fans believe Cody is ruined by his loss against Brock Lesnar at Night of Champions, the future could be great for him. In fact, The American Nightmare was booked strong. He gave the toughest fight to Lesnar, even with a broken arm.