Is Cody Rhodes' career over? Future of the American Nightmare explored

Cody Rhodes’ reign as Undisputed WWE Champion came to a controversial end at WrestleMania 41. Facing a heel turned John Cena, Rhodes lost not just his title but also momentum in a match that saw outside interference from rapper Travis Scott. Cena, who aligned himself with The Rock en route to the event, capitalized on the chaos to win his 17th world title - overtaking Ric Flair's iconic record.
For Rhodes, it was a heartbreaking loss that reversed his year-long journey as champion, which had begun with his triumphant win over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
In the aftermath, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley offered a surprising take: Cody shouldn’t return to WWE television right away. Speaking on Busted Open podcast, Dudley stressed the value of emotional build-up, suggesting that letting fans “miss” Cody for a while could make his comeback more impactful.
"I would like to see them wait a while... Where's Cody Rhodes? We haven't heard from him?" said Dudley. The comment quickly sparked debate online, with some agreeing that a brief hiatus might build anticipation.
Cody’s notable absence on the Raw episode following WrestleMania only added to the intrigue. Instead, John Cena opened the show and was later ambushed by Randy Orton - shifting attention away from Rhodes. WWE has made no official statement about Cody’s status, further fueling questions about whether this silence is part of a storyline or something more.
Some fans worry this could hint at a longer break or potential injury, though there is no confirmation of either.

There may be hope for fans eager to see Cody back soon. WWE’s promotional poster for Money in the Bank 2025 in California features The American Nightmare, suggesting a potential return at the July event. The timing would align with WWE’s strategy of creating dramatic returns around major pay-per-views.
A return at Money in the Bank could set up a redemption arc for Cody, possibly even another title shot against Cena before the legend’s final match in December.
Is Cody Rhodes’ career over? Not even close. If anything, this setback appears to be a calculated pause in a larger narrative arc. With time, fan anticipation, and the right moment, Rhodes could be poised for one of WWE’s most memorable comebacks.