Video: Cody Rhodes shares wholesome moment with former WWE Champion days before latter’s anticipated return

Cody Rhodes shares a heartwarming hug with former WWE Champion following their match at recent WWE live event.

Video: Cody Rhodes shares wholesome moment with former WWE Champion days before latter’s anticipated return

Cody Rhodes (via WWE)

Cody Rhodes has been the undisputed workhorse of WWE since returning in 2022. He has been putting on a show with his performances every week. Recently, he had a wholesome moment with a former WWE Champion following their marquee match-up at a live event that once again left fans awe-inspiring.

The former champion in question is AJ Styles. The latter faced Cody Rhodes at WWE’s recent house show in Columbus. Following their amazing match, Styles and Rhodes had a moment of appreciation for each other’s talent. The Phenomenal One hugged The American Nightmare while the WWE Universe appreciated the talent of two future Hall of Famers.

YouTube video

Moreover, the 47-year-old then walked out of the ring, leaving the Undisputed Champion to have a moment on his own with the fans. It was quite a poetic moment, as it looked like Styles passed down the torch to Rhodes after this encounter. The two Georgia natives collided multiple times this year, with Cody emerging victorious on both occasions.

FS Video

Styles has been advertised to return to SmackDown next week. Therefore, having such a wholesome showing just days ahead of the comeback puts a question mark on his character. During the last appearance of the former TNA star, he was a heel who was looking to go to extreme lengths to win the WWE Championship. 

Possible direction for AJ Styles upon his return to SmackDown

AJ Styles has had an illustrious career in WWE. He has done everything there is to be in the company as he marches towards the end of his career. However, there are a few unexplored paths that The Phenomenal One might discover upon his return on SmackDown next week.

AJ Styles
AJ Styles (via WWE)

It has been reported that the former WWE champion is on the brink of his contract expiry. Therefore, there are few dream matches he might have, including one with Logan Paul. Before his prolonged hiatus, WWE teased some tension between Styles and Nick Aldis. Therefore, there is a possibility that he might attack the SmackDown GM and establish a future showdown.

Moreover, it is possible that Styles might pick up right where he left off. That means he might go up against Cody Rhodes one last time to try his luck in his quest toward becoming the Undisputed Championship. The two stars might face each other at Crown Jewel to end their trilogy once and for all.