Cody Rhodes May Be On the Verge of a Heel Turn After WWE SNME, Fans Suggest

Cody Rhodes took another step toward a potential heel turn after a chaotic showdown with Randy Orton at WWE’s Sunday Night Main Event on September 6. Although Orton secured the victory, Rhodes’ conduct during the bout sparked speculation that the American Nightmare is drifting away from his former principles.

The tension between the two has been escalating since Orton intervened to keep CM Punk as champion at SummerSlam, thwarting Rhodes’ attempt to retake the title. What had previously been a primarily verbal dispute — avoiding physical confrontations that could jeopardize their title opportunities — ended at SNME.

Rhodes’ family, including his wife who hurled a drink at Orton, watched from ringside. The encounter spilled across the arena, produced several referee bumps, and ultimately left Orton bloodied after being struck by steel steps.

Fans Speculate on Cody Rhodes’ Potential Heel Turn Amid WWE Controversy

With Orton wounded and vulnerable, Rhodes seemed poised to cross a line, moving to deliver his signature Punt Kick, but halted when Orton pleaded with him not to.

The pause proved costly. When a second referee entered the ring, Orton delivered a low blow that struck both Rhodes and the official, then followed with an RKO. Referee Charles Robinson quickly regained his footing and counted the three‑count official.

Rhodes’ restraint from delivering the Punt may indicate that his moral boundaries remain, yet fans on X are already debating whether WWE intends to push him past those limits.

@reigns_era wrote, “If this doesn’t end with a massive Cody heel turn then seriously what the hell are we doing here.”

@DirtyDomDom posted, “Cody Rhodes needs to turn HEEL soon.”

@AtittyCody noted, “They are just Struck with should Do or Should not to do for the last two year now.”

Meanwhile, @IBHQ_ wrote, “I can 100% seeing Cody finally going to that darker side,” adding that Orton’s actions could push Rhodes too far.

At present, a heel turn is still speculative, but following SNME the distinction between The American Nightmare and the darker side appears increasingly ambiguous.

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