Speculation is circulating about the potential return of Cody Rhodes, with PWInsider.com reporting today that discussions within WWE have included at least one pitch for “The American Nightmare” to make a surprise appearance this Saturday, May 10th, at the Backlash Premium Live Event in St. Louis.
According to the update from PWInsider, while a surprise return for Rhodes at Backlash “makes the most sense” following the events of WrestleMania 41, and the possibility has been pitched internally, the outlet stressed they “haven’t heard 100% that’s the direction,” meaning the plan remains unconfirmed.
Rhodes has not been seen on WWE programming since the main event of WrestleMania 41 Night 2 last month. In that contest, Rhodes defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena, who was seeking a record-breaking 17th world title reign in his final year of competition. The match concluded controversially when musician Travis Scott interfered, pulling the referee from the ring. Although Rhodes dispatched Scott with a Cross Rhodes, the distraction allowed Cena to capitalize and defeat Rhodes to win the championship.
This Saturday’s Backlash event in St. Louis is WWE’s first Premium Live Event since WrestleMania 41, making it a prime opportunity for significant storyline developments. A return by Rhodes at the event would allow him to immediately address the controversial loss and potentially confront the new champion, John Cena.
While the PWInsider report suggests a Backlash return is being considered, it remains speculative. Other reports based on WWE’s own advertising have indicated Rhodes might be targeted for a return on the May 16th episode of SmackDown instead.
