Cody Rhodes And WWE SmackDown: Weighing The Pros And Cons Of His Current Status

James

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Post on May 25, 2025

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Cody Rhodes and WWE SmackDown: Weighing the Pros and Cons of His Current Status

The wrestling world is abuzz following Cody Rhodes' surprising move to WWE SmackDown. After his electrifying (and heartbreaking) WrestleMania 39 performance against Roman Reigns, many expected the American Nightmare to continue his pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on Raw. However, the draft shuffled the deck, leaving fans debating the merits of Rhodes' new Friday night home. Let's weigh the pros and cons of this significant shift in his WWE journey.

The Pros: A Fresh Start and New Rivalries

• A Change of Scenery: Moving to SmackDown offers Rhodes a fresh perspective and a chance to reinvent himself. Away from the established rivalries on Raw, he can forge new paths and engage with a different roster, potentially leading to unexpected and compelling storylines. This break from the constant Roman Reigns narrative allows for creative exploration.

• New Opponents: SmackDown boasts a roster brimming with potential adversaries for Rhodes. Think of a potential clash with Gunther and Imperium, a dream match against the returning Rey Mysterio, or even a surprising feud with a rising star like Austin Theory. The possibilities are vast and exciting for both Rhodes and the audience.

• Increased Spotlight: While Raw often feels crowded, SmackDown might offer Rhodes a more prominent position. With fewer main event players, he has a greater opportunity to shine and solidify his position as a top-tier superstar. This could potentially accelerate his path back to a title shot.

• Strategic Advantage: The move to SmackDown could be a strategic maneuver by WWE to keep Rhodes fresh and prevent audience fatigue. By keeping him away from the immediate vicinity of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship picture, his eventual return to the title scene will feel even more significant.

The Cons: A Step Back and Lost Momentum?

• Distance from the Title: The most significant drawback is the perceived distance from the championship. Staying on Raw, where the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship resides, kept Rhodes directly in the title picture. The SmackDown move might feel like a step back for some fans, especially those who crave immediate retribution for his WrestleMania loss.

• Potential for Stagnation: While new rivalries are exciting, there’s a risk that Rhodes could become entangled in less significant storylines on SmackDown, hindering his momentum. The success of this move hinges heavily on WWE's creative booking decisions.

• Lost Chemistry: Rhodes had built incredible chemistry with several Raw superstars, particularly Seth Rollins. This dynamic, highly entertaining rivalry is now on hold, potentially losing some audience engagement built over time.

• Brand Split Limitations: The WWE brand split, while designed to create unique storylines, can sometimes limit cross-brand interactions, potentially reducing opportunities for dream matches and high-profile feuds.

The Verdict: A Calculated Risk

Ultimately, Cody Rhodes' move to SmackDown is a calculated risk. While it presents the potential for exciting new rivalries and increased spotlight, it also carries the risk of slowing his momentum towards another championship run. The success of this decision rests entirely on WWE's ability to capitalize on the opportunity and craft compelling storylines that showcase Rhodes' immense talent and charisma. Only time will tell if this strategic shift proves to be a masterstroke or a misstep. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

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