5 Shocking Signs That Cody Rhodes Is Secretly Planning A Heel Turn In 2025

The question of "Is Cody Rhodes turning heel?" has dominated wrestling discourse throughout 2025, reaching a fever pitch following his controversial Undisputed WWE Championship victory at SummerSlam. As of December 15, 2025, the rumors are not just persistent; they are being fueled by subtle changes in his in-ring aggression, cryptic promo language, and an increasingly frustrating title reign that has left fans divided. While "The American Nightmare" consistently maintains his commitment to being the ultimate babyface, many industry insiders and wrestling legends believe the seeds for a massive character shift have already been planted, potentially culminating in a shocking betrayal of the WWE Universe.

Cody Rhodes' journey back to WWE was predicated on finishing his story as the ultimate hero, but the nature of his current championship run has created a narrative opening for a darker, more self-serving persona. From controversial match finishes to the reported backstage push for a heel turn by figures like The Rock, the pressure on Rhodes to evolve is immense, suggesting that the perfect, clean-cut hero may be teetering on the edge of becoming a bitter, entitled champion.

Cody Rhodes: Biographical Profile

Before diving into the speculation, here is a quick look at the man at the center of the controversy, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

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• Full Name: Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes
• Born: June 30, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Family: Son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes
• Current Status: Signed to WWE, performing on the SmackDown brand
• Major Career Highlights:
  • Undisputed WWE Champion (Current)
  • 2023 Royal Rumble Winner
  • Two-time Intercontinental Champion
  • Six-time Tag Team Champion
  • Co-Founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

The Growing Narrative Crisis: Why A Heel Turn Makes Sense in 2025

The core of the "Is Cody Rhodes turning heel?" debate stems from the perceived stagnation of his character and his current storyline as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Despite his heroic return, winning the title back from John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, critics have been quick to point out the flaws in his reign.

1. The "Disastrous" Title Reign and Fan Frustration

Since regaining the championship, some wrestling pundits have openly labeled Cody Rhodes' second title reign as a "disaster," suggesting it has merely restored a predictable status quo. The expectation for a dominant, compelling babyface champion has been met with a series of controversial and often messy defenses. The constant interference and non-decisive finishes, such as the controversial disqualification ending in his match against Oba Femi at a Saturday Night's Main Event, protect the challenger but frustrate the audience expecting a clean, definitive victory from their hero.

2. The Rock's Reported Backstage Influence

One of the most persistent rumors is that WWE management, specifically The Rock, had previously pushed for Cody Rhodes to turn heel. This suggests that the idea is not just fan speculation but a major creative option that has been discussed at the highest levels. Even though Rhodes has publicly stated he has "no plans" on becoming a heel, the company's long-term vision may override his personal preference, especially if the current babyface run plateaus.

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Subtle Hints and In-Ring Mannerisms Pointing to a Heel Shift

While a sudden, shocking turn is possible, a great heel turn is often foreshadowed by subtle shifts in a wrestler's behavior. Wrestling legends and fans alike have highlighted several key signs in late 2024 and 2025 that suggest a darker side of "The American Nightmare" is emerging.

3. The Emergence of Aggression and Entitlement

Wrestling legend Bill Apter has noted that Cody Rhodes' mannerisms in recent weeks have shown hints of increased aggression. This isn't just about fighting back; it’s about a new, almost entitled intensity. The "American Nightmare" is increasingly less apologetic and more demanding in his promos, a classic sign of a babyface who is starting to believe his own hype too much. This subtle shift from a humble hero seeking redemption to a champion demanding respect is a crucial step towards becoming a villain.

4. Cryptic Promos Hinting at Regret

In a recent SmackDown promo, Rhodes dropped subtle hints that he might be regretting choosing "righteousness" over simply being a champion. He has been seen wrestling with the idea of what it truly means to be a hero, especially after the immense pressure of his high-profile feuds. A heel turn would be the ultimate expression of this regret—a realization that the "good guy" path is too difficult, and that embracing a self-serving attitude is the only way to maintain his status at the top of WWE.

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5. The SummerSlam 2025 Faction Rumor

Perhaps the most compelling piece of speculation involves a major heel turn at SummerSlam 2025, where Cody could potentially form a new villainous faction. This move would immediately establish him as a top-tier threat, giving him the necessary backup and narrative protection to maintain his championship dominance as a heel. The recent heel turn of a long-term ally has also been cited as a sign that Cody's inner circle is starting to fracture, creating the perfect scenario for him to recruit new, loyal, and ruthless associates.

Conclusion: The Inevitability of the American Nightmare's Dark Side

The question is no longer if Cody Rhodes will turn heel, but when. While he remains the top babyface in WWE as of late 2025, the creative environment is ripe for a change. His ongoing, controversial feud with Drew McIntyre, the lingering influence of The Rock, and the subtle yet consistent hints of aggression in his promos all point to an imminent character evolution.

The Undisputed WWE Championship is a coveted prize, and the pressure of holding it while maintaining a pristine hero image appears to be cracking "The American Nightmare." Whether it happens at the next major premium live event or in a shocking betrayal on an episode of SmackDown, the wrestling world is on high alert. Fans should prepare for the possibility that the man who promised to "finish the story" may be on the verge of starting a new, much darker chapter.