• WWE Brought Back Top Star To Fill John Cena’s Spot
For a long time, WWE has been looking for a star who could take over the top babyface spot left by John Cena. According to Seth Rollins, the company believed Cody Rhodes was the right person for that job.
In an interview on Games with Names, Rollins shared that when Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022, the goal was to prepare him for that specific role.
Rollins explained that management’s view of Rhodes changed over time. When Cody first left the company in 2016, WWE officials didn’t see him as a top-tier performer. However, when he came back, the plan was to turn him into the face of the company.
Seth noted that their three PLE matches together in 2022, especially the one inside Hell in a Cell, were what really proved to WWE that Rhodes could handle the pressure of being the main star.
Cody Rhodes got to feud with John Cena this year. They main evented WrestleMania 41 and SummerSlam 2025. Cena beat Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. A few months later, Cena put over Rhodes (who won the King of the Ring tournament to earn a title rematch) and dropped the title back to The American Nightmare.
• Mick Foley Ends His Relationship With WWE
Mick Foley has ended his relationship with WWE. Here’s the statement issued by the Hall of Famer:
“PARTING WAYS WITH WWE
While I have been concerned about WWE‘s close relationship with Donald Trump for several months — especially in light of his administration’s ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and pretty much anyone who “looks like an immigrant”) — reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me.
I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy. Last night, I informed WWE talent relations that I would not be making any appearances for the company as long as this man remains in office.
Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June. I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me. But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, ‘I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.'”
U.S. President and WWE Hall of Famer (celebrity wing) Donald Trump issued the following statement on Rob Reiner’s death:
“A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”
Trump’s comments immediately drew widespread criticism. Musician Jack White reacted strongly, condemning the President for using Reiner’s death for political commentary:
“Trump you disgusting, vile, egomaniac, loser, child. Neither he nor any one of his followers can defend this gross, horrible insult to a beautiful artist who gave the world so much.
To use someone’s tragic death to promote your own vanity and fascist authoritarian agenda is a corrupt and narcissistic sin. Shame on you Trump and anyone who defends this.
God bless you Rob Reiner and thank you for what you gave the world. I never even met you and I still stand by you.”
Foley, who has long been outspoken against Trump’s policies, also responded, siding with White. He also called out people in WWE who support Donald Trump:
“What Jack White said here is spot on. How any of my WWE colleagues can stand by, let alone stand next to this man is beyond me.”
WWE has a very good relationship with the current government, with Chief Content Officer Triple H visiting the White House multiple times this year. WWE reportedly wanted Trump to attend John Cena’s retirement match, but Trump didn’t go.
