Cody Rhodes Reveals Shocking Timeline for His WWE Retirement

After recently beating Drew McIntyre to retain the WWE title at SNME, Cody Rhodes says his wrestling retirement is near.

Cody Rhodes Reveals Shocking Timeline for His WWE Retirement

Cody Rhodes at SNME (via WWE)

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Cody Rhodes first appeared on WWE television alongside his father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes, during Dusty’s Hall of Fame induction in 2007. That night, fans got an early glimpse of Cody’s charisma and mic skills as the then 21-year-old delivered a heartfelt tribute to both his father and older brother, Dustin Rhodes. Not long after, he made his in-ring debut for WWE.

In his early years with the company, Rhodes found success as a tag team champion alongside Hardcore Holly and later as a member of The Legacy faction with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. Multiple Intercontinental Championship reigns followed before creative frustrations led him to part ways with the Stamford-based company in 2016.

After his departure, Rhodes played a key role in the creation and rise of AEW, becoming one of the company’s founding figures and top stars. However, in one of wrestling’s most shocking moments, he made his grand return to WWE at WrestleMania 38. Since then, Rhodes has become the face of the company, leading the charge as one of its top stars.

Recently, the Undisputed Champion hinted that the final chapter of his story might be approaching. Reports earlier this year suggested that Rhodes signed a two-year contract extension before WrestleMania XL. 

During an interview on the All The Smoke Podcast, ‘The American Nightmare’ opened up about his father’s legacy and his own future with the company. He reflected on Dusty Rhodes’ impact and also shared that his next WWE contract could be his last.

He’s known in Cobb County as coach more than the American dream. Like he that’s what he was. I’d like to make it by the time they hit that age, that I’m not I’m not gone that often, or I can’t really walk around that much. Um and and that’s we’re, we’re getting we’re getting closer. What I’d say is probably my last contract with WWE or the next contract I sign will probably be my last and finish my days with WWE.

Cody Rhodes via All The Smoke podcast

Since returning in 2022, he has become one of WWE’s most vital performers. He has main-evented three consecutive WrestleMania events from 2023 to 2025, facing top names such as Roman Reigns, John Cena, Drew McIntyre, and CM Punk. 

He also achieved one of the most significant milestones in modern wrestling by ending Reigns’ historic 1,316-day title reign at WrestleMania XL. Rhodes went on to play a key role in Cena’s farewell tour and most recently concluded his heated rivalry with McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

Now 40, the reigning champion continues to stand at the top of the company, leaving fans eager to see what comes next as he writes the final chapters of his storied career.

Cody Rhodes praises Logan Paul in a recent appearance, as he aligns with The Vision

In August 2025, ‘The American Nightmare’ praised Logan Paul, calling him one of the hardest-working people he has ever seen and predicting that he will one day become a world champion in WWE. Considering how quickly the former social media star has adapted to professional wrestling, that might not be an exaggeration.

Logan Paul joins The Vision
Logan Paul joins The Vision (via WWE)

For those unfamiliar, he made his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 37 in 2021 and has since competed in 24 matches. A number of those have involved Rhodes, including their one-on-one clash at King of the Ring 2024 for the Undisputed WWE Championship. 

The two have also shared the ring in tag team competition twice in 2025—first at Money in the Bank, where Paul teamed with John Cena against Rhodes and Jey Uso, and later when Paul joined forces with Drew McIntyre to take on Rhodes and Cena.

Paul’s most recent highlight came at Clash in Paris, where he delivered a standout performance against Cena in what many fans called the best match of his WWE career so far. Seeing that potential, Rhodes praised Paul in a recent appearance on the All The Smoke podcast.

Every time I do an interview… you basically get mini-canceled and uncanceled on a weekly basis for something you say. Logan has so many people who don’t like him. And I think he’s wonderful. He works super hard, he asks the right questions, he’s big, jacked, strong, unbelievably athletic. A little bit arrogant, sure, but you’re in wrestling, this isn’t a timid world.

Cody Rhodes via All The Smoke podcast

Rhodes also joked that he always gets canceled for praising Logan, humorously adding that he thinks Paul sucks and would rather face his brother, Jake Paul. He acknowledged, however, that both brothers are setting the world on fire, praising their business acumen and revealing that he genuinely enjoys Logan’s company. 

Rhodes noted that Paul is incredibly receptive to feedback, describing him as a sponge who’s eager to learn and improve in the ring. And during the November 3rd episode of Raw, Paul made his shocking return to WWE television for the first time since August. 

In a dramatic moment, he attacked the new World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and aligned himself with Paul Heyman’s faction, The Vision, marking a major new chapter in his WWE career.

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