Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE could come with a major obstacle. With WrestlePalooza set for September 20, speculation has grown that his Undisputed WWE Championship will be defended in a Triple Threat Match against Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton.
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In this format, Rhodes would not need to be pinned to lose the title, leaving him at a clear disadvantage. One opponent could secure the victory by defeating the other, creating a major risk for the champion.
Rhodes has been off WWE programming in recent weeks while filming Street Fighter in Australia, where he is portraying Guile in the 2026 release. To explain his absence, WWE scripted a head injury storyline following an attack by McIntyre. Because of this angle, Rhodes will not appear at Clash in Paris on August 31.
During Rhodes’ time away, tensions between McIntyre and Orton have escalated. Their exchanges turned physical on the most recent SmackDown, where security was forced to separate them after a brawl. Orton has made clear his intent to claim a 15th world championship, while McIntyre has targeted the history of Orton’s betrayals to suggest the veteran could turn on Rhodes once gold is at stake.
The timing of Rhodes’ filming schedule appears to line up with WWE’s calendar, with production in Australia expected to wrap by September 20, the exact date of WrestlePalooza. Away from the ring, Rhodes and his wife Brandi also recently celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels.
