Is Cody Rhodes Smart To Skip WWE SmackDown? Analyzing His Current Strategy

David

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Post on May 24, 2025

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Is Cody Rhodes Smart to Skip WWE SmackDown? Analyzing His Current Strategy

The wrestling world is buzzing after Cody Rhodes' conspicuous absence from the recent WWE SmackDown. His shocking loss at WrestleMania 39 to Roman Reigns left many fans wondering about his next move, and his decision to skip the following SmackDown has fueled speculation about his strategic direction. Is this a shrewd move, a calculated risk, or simply a sign of frustration? Let's delve into the potential motivations behind Cody's absence and analyze its impact on his career trajectory.

The Aftermath of WrestleMania 39: A Crossroads Moment

WrestleMania 39's main event delivered a stunning upset, with Roman Reigns retaining his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes. While the match was widely praised for its emotional impact and storytelling, the result left many feeling deflated for "The American Nightmare." Cody's subsequent absence from SmackDown only intensified the intrigue. Was this a planned narrative device to amplify his character's emotional turmoil? Or is something more strategic at play?

Potential Reasons for Cody's Absence:

Several theories have emerged regarding Cody's decision:

• Strategic Storytelling: The most likely explanation involves a deliberate storytelling choice. By removing himself from the immediate spotlight, WWE can build anticipation and drama for his eventual return. This absence allows the narrative to simmer, creating a powerful comeback story. This strategy is reminiscent of past WWE narratives, where absences often lead to significant character development and future storylines.

• Injury Management: While not officially confirmed, the possibility of a minor injury cannot be ruled out. High-profile wrestlers often take time off for recovery, even if it's not publicly announced to maintain the illusion of continuous character development.

• Contract Negotiations: Though less likely given Cody's apparent dedication to WWE, contract negotiations could potentially be a factor. This is purely speculative, however, and should be approached cautiously until official statements are made.

• Creative Differences: This is a more dramatic explanation, but the possibility of creative differences between Cody and WWE cannot be entirely dismissed. However, considering Cody's recent alignment with the company and his prominent role leading up to WrestleMania, this explanation appears less probable.

Analyzing the Strategy:

Regardless of the exact reason, Cody's strategic absence from SmackDown exhibits a calculated risk. While it runs the risk of losing some momentum, it also presents significant potential upsides:

• Increased Anticipation: By creating a period of uncertainty, WWE significantly increases the anticipation for Cody's return. This generates buzz and excitement amongst fans, potentially leading to higher ratings and increased viewer engagement when he does reappear.

• Character Development: The time away allows for the development of a more compelling and emotionally resonant character arc. Cody's absence allows fans to reflect on his journey and his ultimate goal: winning the WWE Championship. This builds sympathy and anticipation for his next challenge.

• Re-evaluation and Replanning: The time off could provide WWE with an opportunity to re-evaluate Cody's storyline and craft a more effective path toward a future championship run.

The Verdict: A Calculated Gamble?

Ultimately, whether Cody's absence proves to be a shrewd move remains to be seen. It's a calculated gamble, one that could pay off handsomely if WWE uses this time effectively to build anticipation and enhance his character's narrative. However, prolonged absences can sometimes lead to a decrease in audience interest, so the timing and subsequent execution of his return will be crucial.

What are your thoughts on Cody Rhodes' absence from SmackDown? Share your opinions in the comments below!