WWE clears up Cody Rhodes controversy from weekend event - Reports
Members of the WWE Universe were outraged earlier today after an unfortunate mishap with Cody Rhodes. The company has reportedly issued an important update to clarify the matter and inform affected fans of the next step.
The American Nightmare wrestled at Saturday's non-televised WWE live event in Lakeland, Florida, then flew to New York City for the Fanatics Fest appearance. Cody left the convention and flew straight back to Florida in Fort Myers. Cody was in high demand as usual, but unfortunately, numerous fans did not get the chance to see him on Sunday.
The champion was booked for photo ops to start the day, then the live stage panel, an autograph session, and more photo ops to end the day. One fan noted on social media that he was scheduled for a Rhodes photo op at 12 noon but didn't get an e-mail about the time changing to 10:30 a.m. until 11:27 a.m. The fan was told to come back at 1:10 p.m., but after waiting in line until 2:20 p.m., he was told that Rhodes had already left and refunds were available.
Many fans attending Fanatics Fest reported issues with the photo ops and autograph sessions. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select has now reported that the system used by Fanatics went down during Cody's session.
He further noted that Rhodes left the convention as he had a strict departure time to make it to the live event in Fort Myers. It was reiterated that this was not Rhodes' fault and that refunds are available to fans who did not get to do the photo-op.
Cody Rhodes collided with Solo Sikoa after WWE SummerSlam
Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa have wrestled just under 10 singles matches since March 2023, including non-televised live events and WWE TV matches. Cody retaining the Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam marked their first singles title match until this weekend.
Saturday's non-televised live event in Lakeland, FL, saw The American Nightmare retain the Undisputed WWE Championship over Solo in the Street Fight. The same match headlined tonight's show in Fort Myers.
At one point during the match, The Bloodline interfered to help Sikoa. The beatdown was stopped after Kevin Owens and Randy Orton made the save for Rhodes.
Rhodes has not been announced for Friday's SmackDown, but he is being advertised by the WWE and arena websites. Cody's next title defense is scheduled for August 31 at Bash in Berlin, where he will face Kevin Owens.