Triple H Confirms Cody Rhodes’ Return for WWE Wrestlepalooza – A Major Boost for the Undisputed Champion
WWE fans rejoice: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to make his highly anticipated comeback. Triple H dropped the bombshell on The Pat McAfee Show, ensuring Rhodes will appear at the blockbuster Wrestlepalooza event on September 20.
The Big Reveal from Triple H
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque spilled the beans during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on September 9. “I’ll give you a spoiler right now—Cody will be back, Indianapolis for Wrestlepalooza,” he declared. This confirmation ends weeks of speculation about the champion’s status.
Rhodes has been absent from WWE programming since August 8, when Drew McIntyre viciously attacked him on SmackDown, writing him off TV. In reality, the break allowed Rhodes to film his role as Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter movie in Australia and welcome his second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels.
Background on Cody Rhodes’ Absence and WWE’s Storytelling
Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” returned to WWE in 2022 after a successful stint in AEW and on the independent circuit. He captured the Undisputed WWE Championship for the second time at SummerSlam 2025, pinning John Cena in the main event of Night 2. His first reign lasted 378 days with eight defenses, solidifying his status as a top star.
The McIntyre attack storyline ties into Rhodes’ real-life commitments, building tension for a potential title clash. Reports suggest Rhodes vs. McIntyre is internally planned as a co-main event, though WWE hasn’t officially confirmed it. McIntyre recently feuded with Randy Orton, adding layers—could a three-way emerge?
Rhodes’ Street Fighter role joins him with Roman Reigns on set, blending Hollywood with wrestling. This absence mirrors WWE’s history of using kayfabe to cover real breaks, keeping fans hooked.
What to Expect at Wrestlepalooza
Wrestlepalooza, set for September 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, marks WWE’s first premium live event (PLE) streaming on the ESPN app. The card already boasts heavy hitters:
- Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer
- John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
- The Usos vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
- CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
Rhodes’ return could headline with a title defense against McIntyre, or he might confront his attacker in a promo segment. Triple H kept details vague, heightening the hype. The event nods to ECW’s original Wrestlepalooza, blending nostalgia with modern spectacle.
Fan Reactions and Expert Takes
Social media exploded after Triple H’s announcement. WrestlingInc shared the news on X, sparking over 1,000 views and fans chanting “Cody! Cody!” in replies. One user posted, “Finally! The American Nightmare is back to finish his story.”
Experts like Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer confirmed the McIntyre matchup, noting scheduling tweaks due to Rhodes’ filming. Analysts praise WWE’s booking, calling it a smart way to refresh the champion’s arc post-SummerSlam.
Pat McAfee, host of the show, hyped the reveal live, tweeting a clip that went viral. Fans speculate on surprises, like Orton interference, fueling online buzz.
Impact on WWE Fans and the U.S. Wrestling Scene
For U.S. audiences, Rhodes’ return amps up Wrestlepalooza’s appeal, drawing crowds to Indianapolis and boosting local economies through ticket sales and tourism. As the first ESPN-streamed PLE, it expands WWE’s reach, potentially attracting new viewers via the app.
Rhodes embodies the American Dream—his journey from WWE release in 2016 to two-time champion inspires underdogs. This comeback reinforces WWE’s family-friendly ethos, tying into real-life milestones like his new baby. Economically, events like this generate millions in revenue, supporting jobs in entertainment and sports.
Politically neutral but culturally huge, it spotlights WWE’s evolution under Triple H, focusing on star power amid Netflix’s Raw deal. For sports fans, it rivals NFL weekends, blending athleticism with drama.
Conclusion: Rhodes’ Return Signals WWE’s Hot Streak
Triple H’s confirmation locks in Cody Rhodes for Wrestlepalooza, promising fireworks in Indianapolis on September 20. Whether defending his title or reigniting his feud with McIntyre, “The American Nightmare” returns at a pivotal time.
Looking ahead, this sets up intense storylines through Crown Jewel in October. WWE’s 2025 slate, including NXT No Mercy on September 27, keeps the momentum rolling. Fans, gear up—Rhodes is finishing his story, one epic return at a time.