A new report has indicated that Cody Rhodes could be ready to return to WWE earlier than originally expected as he recovers from a serious injury.
Cody Rhodes returned to WWE as the surprise opponent for Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 38 just weeks after he and his Brandi announced their shock exits from AEW. The American Nightmare and Brandi had been pivotal figures in forming AEW in 2019 alongside The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and company owner Tony Khan.
But returning to the company he left in 2016 turned into a reality and Cody Rhodes defeated Rollins on his first night back. The two men went on to compete again at WrestleMania Backlash with the same result. A third match – this time to take place inside Hell In A Cell was set – but a serious injury to Rhodes almost put paid to that.
Cody Rhodes “A Little Ahead Of Schedule” – Wrestling Observer Newsletter
In the build-up to the bout, Cody Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral muscle but rather than pull out of the bout, he competed nonetheless. An audible gasp was heard from the crowd when Rhodes unrobed to reveal his heavily bruised chest and arm as a result of the injury. Despite not being 100% Cody Rhodes picked up his third win over Seth Rollins in a row.
Now the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided some good news for fans of Cody Rhodes as it appears he is ahead of schedule to return to the ring:
“Rhodes appears to be a little ahead of schedule in healing. He’s working with DDP. Things are normal for him in real life but obviously any upper body weights he can use are extremely light.”
The report also suggests that when Cody Rhodes is ready to return, it’s likely to be kept as a surprise. The Royal Rumble had been floated as a possible return but the report notes that the Day 1 premium live event on the 1st of January 2023 will take place in Atlanta – something of a hometown for Rhodes – so that could be a possibility.