WWE SmackDown Preview: Why Cody Rhodes Might Be Skipping The Show

3 min read Post on May 24, 2025

WWE SmackDown Preview: Why Cody Rhodes Might Be Skipping the Show

The WWE Universe is buzzing with anticipation for this week's SmackDown, but a significant question mark hangs over the show: will the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, be appearing? While his presence isn't officially confirmed, several factors suggest a potential absence, leaving fans wondering what the implications might be for his ongoing feud with Brock Lesnar. Let's delve into the possibilities.

The Aftermath of Summerslam's Brutal Beatdown

Summerslam saw a shocking and brutal turn of events. Brock Lesnar, seemingly out for revenge after Rhodes' victory at Backlash, viciously attacked Rhodes, leaving him with a significant injury. The attack, caught on camera and widely circulated across social media, highlighted the intensity and personal nature of this rivalry. [Link to Summerslam Highlights video on WWE's website]. This brutal assault is the primary reason many believe Rhodes might be absent from SmackDown. The severity of the attack, while not explicitly stated, suggests the need for time off to recover.

Strategic Absence or Legitimate Injury?

The WWE often utilizes storyline injuries to build anticipation and suspense. It's plausible that Rhodes' absence is a strategic move by WWE creative to further emphasize the severity of Lesnar's attack and heighten the drama surrounding their feud. This would allow time to build towards a potentially explosive rematch down the line. However, given the visual nature of Lesnar's assault, it's also entirely possible that Rhodes sustained a legitimate injury requiring time off for healing.

What This Means for the WWE Landscape

Cody Rhodes' potential absence from SmackDown will undoubtedly shift the dynamics of the show. His absence could open doors for other superstars to step up and claim their spotlight. Will this create opportunities for rising stars or will other established players seize the moment to advance their own agendas? This uncertainty adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming episode.

Looking Ahead: Potential Scenarios

Several scenarios could play out in the coming weeks:

Extended Hiatus: Rhodes might require several weeks to recover from his injuries, delaying his return and extending the tension in his rivalry with Lesnar.
Surprise Appearance: Despite expectations, Rhodes could make a surprise appearance, perhaps even addressing Lesnar directly.
Shifting Alliances: The absence could lead to unexpected alliances, potentially adding further complexity to the ongoing storylines.

This uncertainty, while frustrating for some fans, also adds a thrilling element of unpredictability to the WWE programming. The absence of a major player like Cody Rhodes creates a void that other wrestlers will inevitably attempt to fill.

Don't Miss SmackDown!

Whether Cody Rhodes appears or not, this week's SmackDown promises a compelling lineup of events. The uncertainty surrounding Rhodes only adds to the anticipation, making it a must-watch episode. Tune in to see what unfolds and how WWE handles the absence of the American Nightmare. [Link to WWE Network information or your preferred viewing platform].

Keywords: WWE, SmackDown, Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, Summerslam, injury, WWE preview, wrestling news, wrestling rumors, WWE storylines.