Is Cody Rhodes Avoiding WWE SmackDown? Examining The Potential Reasons

James

3 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Is Cody Rhodes Avoiding WWE SmackDown? Examining the Potential Reasons

The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, has been a prominent figure in WWE since his triumphant return at WrestleMania 38. However, his appearances have been predominantly on Monday Night Raw, leading to speculation: is Cody Rhodes deliberately avoiding WWE SmackDown? Let's delve into the potential reasons behind this perceived absence.

The Raw-Exclusive Narrative:

One of the most obvious explanations lies in the carefully crafted narrative surrounding Cody Rhodes's character. Since his return, he's been locked in a compelling feud with Seth Rollins, a rivalry primarily played out on Raw. This consistent presence on Raw has solidified his persona as a top contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, a title exclusively associated with the red brand. Shifting him to SmackDown could disrupt this carefully constructed storyline and potentially dilute his impact.

Strategic Brand Differentiation:

WWE strategically divides its roster between Raw and SmackDown, fostering competition and maintaining distinct brand identities. Keeping Cody Rhodes on Raw allows WWE to maximize his appeal to that specific audience and avoid potential overshadowing of SmackDown's top stars. This strategy helps ensure both brands remain compelling and maintain their individual draws.

The Mystery of the Undisclosed Injury:

While not explicitly confirmed, rumours of a lingering injury have circulated amongst wrestling insiders. If Rhodes is indeed nursing an injury, limiting his appearances and keeping him on a single show could be a strategic decision to manage his workload and prevent further setbacks. This allows for careful management of his health while maintaining his on-screen presence.

Building Towards WrestleMania 40:

Speculation is rife about Cody Rhodes's WrestleMania 40 plans. Keeping him focused on Raw could signify a major storyline culminating in a championship match at the event. A move to SmackDown might disrupt this long-term plan and potentially weaken the anticipation building towards WrestleMania.

The Power of Exclusivity:

Maintaining a sense of exclusivity around Cody Rhodes strengthens his character. By not appearing on SmackDown, he remains a highly sought-after figure, increasing his perceived value and importance within the WWE universe. This scarcity tactic enhances his aura and maintains fan anticipation.

Is it Deliberate Avoidance or Strategic Placement?

Ultimately, whether Cody Rhodes is actively avoiding SmackDown or strategically placed on Raw remains unclear. WWE’s masterful storytelling often uses ambiguity to create intrigue and maintain viewer engagement. The lack of SmackDown appearances adds a layer of mystery to his character, fueling speculation and keeping fans invested in his journey.

Conclusion: While there’s no definitive answer yet, the reasons behind Cody Rhodes's limited SmackDown appearances are likely multifaceted. A combination of narrative requirements, brand management, potential injury concerns, and long-term storyline planning all contribute to his current Raw-centric presence. Only time will tell if this changes, but the intrigue surrounding his absence only strengthens his compelling character arc.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Cody Rhodes will ever appear regularly on SmackDown? Share your opinions in the comments below!