WWE faces backlash over Cody Rhodes's absence at SmackDown in Greensboro

WWE has recently faced a massive backlash from fans after Cody Rhodes’s absence at SmackDown in Greensboro. The American Nightmare was supposed to appear on SmackDown on May 16, 2025, for the first time after his WrestleMania 41 bout against WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena.But the absence of "The American Nightmare" has led to accusations of false advertising and disappointment among attendees. Before the event, Rhodes was heavily advertised by the company about his appearance, along with the Money in the Bank qualifier round on the Blue Brand. Despite the build-up, Rhodes was not seen in the show, which has led to massive outrage.WWE faced massive criticism after fans missed a glimpse of Cody Rhodes from SmackDown. Rhodes was about to make his first appearance on television since WrestleMania on the May 16 episode of SmackDown in Greensboro, North Carolina. After originally removing him from previous performances, WWE has put him front and center for the post-Backlash episode, which has increased speculation among fans about his plans. But his absence from the show has sparked criticism from fans and commentators alike.Fans who attended the event took to social media to express their frustration. One fan tweeted, “The really false advertised Cody. Y'all can’t be serious.” Meanwhile, another fan wrote, “Why have Cody Rhodes advertised for tonight’s #SmackDown when it was never the plan for him to return yet?” (source: Ringside News.com)WWE has not provided an official explanation for Rhodes' absence. However, reports suggest that Rhodes had been on a break, spending time with his family at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida earlier in the week. This personal time off could have contributed to his unavailability for the Greensboro event.According to WrestleVotes, “He was in Hollywood Studios in Florida with his family at the theme parks, traveling, going on rides, and taking it all in as a father to his daughter. I happen to have somebody down there that ran up and got a selfie with him. So I know for a fact he was with his family enjoying some well-deserved time off.”As of now, WWE has not announced any plans to address the Greensboro no-show or to compensate fans who attended the event expecting Rhodes's appearance.Cody Rhodes might appear at the Money in the Bank PLE on June 7. Though the news has not been confirmed yet but his return appears imminent as WWE continues to use his image in promotional materials for the event. WrestleVotes Q&A and Ringside News noted that he is scheduled to be part of Money In The Bank on June 7th.“I do believe he’s still scheduled to be a part of the Money in the Bank show. Don’t know if he’s wrestling, don’t know if that’s when his return will happen. But as far as I know, he will be in Los Angeles for that PLE,” WrestleVotes Q&A stated on his appearance.Also Read: Why WWE legend Jeff Hardy has been replaced and won’t be teaming up with Matt Hardy? | WWE News - The Times of IndiaAfter this incident, only time will tell if Cody Rhodes will turn up at the Money in the Bank for his fans and compensate this loss done to them.