Is Cody Rhodes Smart To Skip WWE SmackDown? Analyzing His Current Strategy

3 min read Post on May 25, 2025

Is Cody Rhodes Smart to Skip WWE SmackDown? Analyzing His Current Strategy

Cody Rhodes' absence from the recent WWE SmackDown has ignited a firestorm of speculation amongst wrestling fans. The American Nightmare, fresh off a grueling and emotionally charged WrestleMania 39 match against Roman Reigns, has opted for a period of rest and recovery. But is this a shrewd strategic move, or a missed opportunity? Let's analyze Cody Rhodes' current strategy and dissect whether his decision to skip SmackDown was the right one.

The Physical and Mental Toll of WrestleMania

WrestleMania is the pinnacle of professional wrestling. The pressure, the spotlight, and the sheer physical demands are unlike any other event. Rhodes' match with Reigns, a brutal back-and-forth battle that ended with him falling short of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, undoubtedly took a significant toll. The emotional investment he poured into the storyline, coupled with the intensity of the performance, necessitates a period of recuperation. Ignoring this crucial factor could lead to burnout and potentially jeopardize his long-term career.

Strategic Absence or Missed Opportunity?

While rest and recovery are undeniably important, some argue that Rhodes' absence from SmackDown is a missed opportunity to maintain momentum. Immediately following WrestleMania, the wrestling world is abuzz with speculation and anticipation. Staying in the spotlight during this crucial period could have further solidified his position as a top contender. His absence, however, allows for a strategic narrative to unfold – one that could ultimately benefit him in the long run.

The Power of Absence: Building Anticipation

The absence of a prominent figure often creates more intrigue than their consistent presence. By stepping away from the weekly grind, Rhodes allows the audience to miss him and fuels speculation about his next move. This calculated absence builds anticipation and elevates his eventual return. It's a classic storytelling technique – creating scarcity to increase value. Consider it a controlled burn, allowing the flames of excitement to build before a truly explosive return.

Long-Term Vision: The Bigger Picture

Rhodes' career trajectory suggests a long-term vision extending beyond immediate gratification. His focus is likely on ensuring his health and sustainability, making calculated moves rather than impulsive reactions. This strategic approach indicates a deeper understanding of the wrestling business and suggests that his decision to skip SmackDown aligns with his broader career goals. He’s playing the long game, and that often involves calculated periods of absence to maximize impact.

The Verdict: A Calculated Risk

Whether or not skipping SmackDown was the best move is debatable. However, considering the physical and emotional demands placed upon him, and factoring in the strategic benefits of building anticipation, it appears to be a calculated risk with significant potential upside. Only time will tell if this strategy pays off, but based on his past performances and trajectory, Cody Rhodes is unlikely to make decisions based solely on short-term gains. He’s playing a chess game, not checkers.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe Cody Rhodes made the right call? Let us know in the comments below!

(Related Articles: [Link to an article about WrestleMania 39], [Link to an article about Cody Rhodes' career])