Cody Rhodes Says He’s Signed New WWE Contract, Plans To End Career There
Cody Rhodes has confirmed that his future remains firmly tied to WWE after revealing that he recently signed a new contract with the company.
While making media appearances to promote the upcoming Street Fighter movie, Rhodes shared what he described as “breaking news” during an interview on FLAGRANT, announcing that he has agreed to a new deal with WWE and intends to remain with the company for the rest of his wrestling career.
According to Rhodes, the new agreement reflects not only his commitment to WWE but also the flexibility that talent now have to pursue opportunities outside the wrestling business. He explained that performers are increasingly able to work on projects such as movies and television while maintaining their relationship with WWE, allowing them to step away temporarily and return when those commitments are completed.
The former Undisputed WWE Champion noted that this evolving approach has changed the way he thinks about the future. Earlier in his career, Rhodes had a specific age in mind for retirement, but he now sees a variety of paths available within WWE beyond being a full-time in-ring performer. Whether that means transitioning into another role within the company or continuing to make appearances after slowing down in the ring, Rhodes appears confident that WWE will remain his professional home.
Family also plays a major role in how he views the next chapter of his life. Rhodes spoke about the importance of being present for his children and referenced the support he received growing up from his parents, including WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. He said he hopes to provide the same kind of stability and presence for his own daughters as they grow older.
Rhodes’ comments come during another high-profile year for the WWE star. In addition to his Hollywood projects, he remains one of the company’s top names on SmackDown. Most recently, he came up short in his attempt to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match after interference from Randy Orton affected the outcome.
Since returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, Rhodes has reestablished himself as one of the promotion’s biggest stars. His return followed his departure from AEW, a company he helped launch in 2019, and culminated in his championship victory at WrestleMania 40.
With a new contract now in place and outside opportunities continuing to grow, it appears that WWE and Cody Rhodes will remain linked for years to come. And if Rhodes has his way, when the time eventually comes to step away from active competition, it will be while still representing the company he now calls home.
WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix for international fans from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
WWE United States Championship Cage Match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Baron Corbin
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Lash Legend
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Finn Balor vs. CM Punk vs. Gunther
WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix for international fans, from the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Men’s and Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches to continue
Michael Cole conducts an exclusive sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes
WWE Superstar Matt Cardona has revealed that he recently suffered a torn triceps that required surgery, putting an unfortunate halt to what he believed was positive momentum on SmackDown.
Cardona shared details of the injury on social media, explaining that the issue may have originated during his physical encounter with GUNTHER on the August 21 episode of WWE SmackDown. According to Cardona, the impromptu match left him dealing with significant punishment, including multiple powerbombs on the announce table, the ring apron, and inside the ring.
While he initially believed the discomfort in his elbow was simply the result of a tough match, the injury worsened over the following week.
The former Intercontinental Champion said the situation escalated during a match against Kit Wilson that was taped for WWE Main Event. Early in the bout, Cardona performed a second-rope dropkick and landed on his elbow, something he noted is routine for him. This time, however, he immediately felt something was wrong.
Cardona recalled feeling a pop in his arm and later realizing that he had likely torn his triceps. Despite the injury, he was able to finish the match before seeking medical evaluation.
An MRI conducted the following day confirmed the diagnosis, and Cardona underwent surgery earlier this week to repair the damage.
The injury comes at a particularly frustrating time for the WWE veteran, who admitted he felt he was beginning to gain traction on the blue brand following his return to the company. Cardona acknowledged that reestablishing himself in WWE was always going to be a challenge, and now the injury presents another obstacle in his pursuit of eventually becoming a world champion.
Even with the setback, Cardona expressed confidence that he will overcome the injury and return stronger once he completes his recovery.
There is currently no official timetable for Cardona’s return to WWE programming.
