3 Theories why Cody Rhodes didn't turn heel at WWE SummerSlam 2026 - Sportskeeda
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Randy Orton's interference kept Cody Rhodes from the WWE title at SummerSlam — but why did WWE protect its top babyface instead of pulling the villain trigger?
Narrative Arc TheoryAudience Expectation ManagementCharacter Consistency BiasLong-Term Booking Strategy
Theory Briefing
- Cody Rhodes lost his WWE Championship shot at SummerSlam due to Randy Orton's involvement, leaving a heel turn unused despite fan speculation.
- WWE keeping Rhodes as a babyface suggests the company sees more long-term value in his heroic persona than a short-term villain shock.
- A heel turn at SummerSlam would have been one of WWE's biggest character pivots in years, making the decision to hold back a deliberate creative choice.
- CM Punk retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship sets up a prolonged rivalry, giving the Rhodes storyline room to escalate rather than resolve.