Cody Rhodes WWE Return Latest: Backlash 2025 Comeback Possible (WWE News)

PWInsider reports that there's been at least one pitch behind the scenes for Cody Rhodes to launch his comeback at Backlash 2025 this weekend. The ex-WWE Champion, who has been the company's top babyface for years now, hasn't been seen since dropping the top belt to John Cena on night two at WrestleMania 41.

This Saturday in St. Louis could mark the start of his return to regular action, but the website has also heard that this isn't 100% the direction WWE's writing team will go with the PLE. Nothing is certain, in other words, but it's surely only a matter of time before Rhodes shows back up in front of the cameras to make his next move.

His year long WWE Title reign has ended, but there's scope to program another title tilt and/or do something completely different with Cody's character for the rest of 2025. This wasn't mentioned in PWInsider's write-up, but some fans on social media predict a heel turn at some stage - that likely won't come whilst he has beef with the freshly-turned John Cena, Travis Scott and maybe even The Rock (who has been posted missing himself since appearing at Elimination Chamber: Toronto in early-March).

Triple H won't want to muddy the waters by turning too many of his top names at once, but Rhodes has heard a few more scattered boos than at any point since making the jump over from AEW in 2022.

Cody Has History With Both WWE Title Foes

Cody getting involved in the WWE Title clash between new champ John Cena and fellow veteran Randy Orton would definitely make sense. After all, Rhodes has a lot of history with both men (both old and new). He just lost the top belt to Cena in Las Vegas at 'Mania 41, but had already been interacting with Randy on TV before that.

Indeed, there were a few occasions during Cody's title reign when Orton glanced at his prize and implied he'd like to challenge his old Legacy protege. WWE didn't quite pull the trigger on that match, but they've got it in their back pockets for later in the year/2026 if need be.

Cody showing up to even the odds for Randy would also make sense if either Travis Scott or The Rock show up in St. Louis at Backlash. Scott has been a persistent thorn in his side for a while, and there's still loads to dig into on the 'Final Boss' front.

So, nothing is nailed on for Saturday, but it wouldn't be a huge shocker if Cody did show face. He's already advertised for the 16 May episode of SmackDown, which is the first blue brand show after Backlash. Rhodes is also scheduled for PLEs like Money In The Bank, SummerSlam and Clash In Paris over the summer.