Cody Rhodes will be on the SmackDown before Wrestlepalooza

The former WWE champion has been absent to shoot his role in the Street Fighter movie

His absence was justified by an attack from Drew McIntyre in August

Cody Rhodes
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Sebastián Martínez
Sebastián Martínez
Published 09/16/2025

Cody Rhodes will return to television this Friday on SmackDown, just 24 hours before the celebration of Wrestlepalooza. WWE confirmed the news during the broadcast of the latest episode of Monday Night Raw.

In early August, McIntyre brutally attacked Rhodes after a match, culminating in a running dropkick on the outside that caused the head of "The American Nightmare" to go through the announcers' table. That sequence served to justify Rhodes' absence, who took the time to film his participation in the upcoming Street Fighter movie.

His return took place on the last episode of SmackDown, when McIntyre was still attacking Randy Orton after his match. Then Rhodes appeared, executing a Cody Cutter on the Scotsman to close the night with the crowd on their feet. Subsequently, Rhodes confirmed his intention to fight Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza.

WWE Smackdown Card (09/19/2025)

  • United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Cody Rhodes will be present on the show