Cody Rhodes Heel Turn: WWE's Plans, The Rock's Prediction, and Fan Reaction (2026)

Could WWE be setting the stage for a shocking betrayal? Cody Rhodes, the fan-favorite superstar, has openly stated he’ll likely never turn heel—but whispers behind the scenes suggest otherwise. In August 2025, Rhodes himself admitted, ‘There’s just too much of a connection with the people,’ seemingly shutting down any possibility of a character shift (https://nodq.com/news/cody-rhodes-i-dont-think-id-ever-turn-heel-because-theres-just-too-much-of-a-connection-with-the-people/). Yet, after his WWE title loss to Drew McIntyre, the internet erupted with speculation: Could Cody’s heroic persona be on borrowed time? And this is the part most people miss: While Rhodes appears untouchable as a fan-favorite, WWE’s history shows that even the most beloved stars can take a dark turn when the story demands it.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com shed some light on the situation. He noted, ‘We were told [a heel turn] isn’t happening now, won’t until it’s deemed absolutely necessary, and that’s no time soon. His merchandise numbers are too strong to risk.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Is WWE simply biding its time, waiting for the perfect moment to shock the wrestling world? After all, even Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson—a legend who knows a thing or two about storytelling—predicted in April 2025 that Cody has ‘an unheard-of run as a heel down the road’ (https://nodq.com/news/the-rock-believes-that-cody-rhodes-has-an-unheard-of-run-as-a-heel-down-the-road/). While Meltzer clarified that The Rock hasn’t influenced current WWE creative decisions, his words linger like a challenge: What if Cody’s connection with the fans is exactly what makes a heel turn so compelling?

For now, Cody Rhodes remains the hero fans adore, but the seeds of doubt have been planted. Is WWE playing the long game, or is this just wishful thinking from fans craving drama? One thing’s for sure: if Cody ever does turn heel, it won’t just be a character change—it’ll be a cultural moment. But what do you think? Is Cody’s heroic persona untouchable, or is a heel turn inevitable? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.

Cody Rhodes Heel Turn: WWE's Plans, The Rock's Prediction, and Fan Reaction (2026)
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