09/09/2026
Cody Rhodes showed a considerably more ruthless side against Randy Orton at WWE Sunday Night's Main Event, but that reportedly isn't leading to a full-fledged heel turn - at least for now.
Despite especulations following the September 6 main event, 1 source reports that WWE currently has no plans to officially turn Rhodes heel.
While the possibility of a heel turn hasn't been completely ruled out for the future. It reportedly isn't the direction WWE intends to pursuit with Cody at this time.
One significant factor ia said to be Cody's continued success as a merchandise seller. Rhodes remains one of WWE's most popular stars among merchandise-buying fans and the company reportedly doesn't ant to jeopardize millions of dollars in potential sales for the sake of a heel storyline.
That doesn't necessarily mean Cody's character will remain exactly the same.
WWE could still exploring a darker and more aggressive side of Cody while keeping him positioned as a baby face, something that was evident throughout his match against Orton in Atlanta.
The highly personal encounter quickly descended into a violent brawl, spilling into the crowd near Cody's family before eventually leaving Orton blooded.
Code stuck his former mentor with the steel.steps and unloaded with reputed punches before connecting with multiple Cross Rhodes. He later appeared prepared to take things even further by using Orton's punt kick against him.
Orton pleaded with Cody not to deliver the move, causing Cody to hesitate and ultimately show mercy.
That decision immediately came back to haunt him.
Orton took advantage of Cody's hesitation by delivering a low blow before connecting with an RKO to secure the victory.
For now, Cody appears set to remain a babyface, although his increasingly aggressive behavior against Orton could allow the company to continue adding darker shades to his character without committing to an outright heel turn.
