Cody Rhodes continues to dominate the WWE landscape in 2025, not only within the squared circle but also in major projects outside the wrestling world. Alongside him, fresh developments on Elayna Black (formerly known as Cora Jade), and intriguing backstage tidbits involving MJF and John Cena are shaping the current WWE buzz. Additionally, fans have been curious about the mysterious extras spotted at the recent premium live event (PPV). Here is a comprehensive update on these hot topics.

Cody Rhodes’ Expanding Empire: From WWE to Hollywood and Beyond

2025 has been proclaimed Cody Rhodes’ year both in WWE and Hollywood, as the multi-faceted superstar takes on starring roles far beyond the wrestling ring. Recently confirmed by Deadline.com, Cody will portray the iconic character Guile in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, a role expected to elevate his profile massively outside WWE[1]. This Hollywood venture follows his appearance in the new Naked Gun movie starring Liam Neeson, signaling Rhodes’ increasing crossover appeal.

Inside WWE, Cody’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. Fresh from winning the King of the Ring tournament at Night of Champions 2025 by defeating Randy Orton, he earned a coveted title shot against John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2025[1][3]. This match marks a significant milestone, being the first one-on-one encounter between the two legends since WrestleMania 41.

A WWE insider revealed, “Cody’s commitment to elevating his brand both in and out of the ring is unprecedented. The company is fully behind this dual push—he’s the face of WWE and a rising Hollywood star simultaneously.” This dynamic year has seen Rhodes working double duty appearing on both Raw and SmackDown, defending multiple titles and headlining marquee events[2].

Elayna Black (Formerly Cora Jade): Career Resurgence

Elayna Black, who WWE fans previously knew as Cora Jade, is undergoing a significant transformation backstage and on-screen. After some time away from prominent storylines, sources close to WWE disclosed, “Elayna is receiving fresh creative direction and a renewed emphasis from the booking team. They see her as a vital player for WWE’s future women’s division.”

Unlike her prior character iteration, Elayna Black is positioned as a darker, more complex persona expected to debut soon on television. This shift aims to capitalize on her in-ring talent and connect better with the audience, following a period of mixed reactions to her earlier gimmick. The rebranding is part of WWE’s broader strategy to elevate new-generation stars and refresh the women’s roster heading into late 2025 and beyond.

MJF and John Cena: Behind-the-Scenes Sparks and Storyline Fuel

The upcoming SummerSlam showdown between Cody Rhodes and John Cena has been the talk of WWE fans worldwide, but less reported are the intriguing backstage dynamics involving MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman) and Cena. Although not officially announced for a storyline angle, sources reveal backstage chemistry and some creative brainstorming between these two veterans.

According to a WWE insider, “MJF and John Cena have been exchanging ideas for a possible mid-term storyline that could impact SummerSlam indirectly. The creative team is toying with ways to intertwine their characters, possibly setting the stage for future high-profile encounters.” Both stars have massive fanbases and proven promo skills, making any collaboration a potential ratings booster.

Further clarifying the situation is the nature of Cena’s featured feud with Cody, which will likely be intensified with subtle involvement or commentary from MJF, adding layers to the messaging and rivalry at SummerSlam.

Identity of the Extras at Recent PPV: Who Were They?

Fans and media covering the recent WWE PPV noticed unusual extras populating certain backstage and audience shots. These individuals were not immediately recognizable as WWE talent, household names, or production crew, prompting speculation. After inquiries, WWE personnel disclosed that the extras were mostly new recruits undergoing on-the-job training in live event production and crowd management.

One backstage source mentioned, “WWE takes its future seriously. These extras were part of a new training program designed to familiarize staff with event logistics. This strategy aims to maintain the high production standards WWE is known for and prepare staff for the mega-events scheduled for the coming months.”

Additionally, some of the extras were local talent and prospects who could potentially be given tryout opportunities based on show dynamics, an indication of WWE’s ongoing investment in finding fresh performers and production talent alike.

Looking Forward: SummerSlam 2025 and Beyond

With SummerSlam just weeks away, all eyes will be on Cody Rhodes’ championship challenge against John Cena, a match charged with history and high stakes. Rumors continue to swirl about a possible appearance by The Rock, which would elevate the event’s star power one notch higher[4].

Meanwhile, Elayna Black looks poised to break through as WWE’s women’s division seeks new directions, and the backstage synergy between MJF and Cena hints at exciting narrative developments. The innovative use of trained extras at PPVs also ensures a seamless fan experience moving forward.

In the words of an anonymous WWE insider, “This summer is shaping up to be a landmark period for WWE, blending top-tier wrestling, fresh talent elevations, and star-studded crossovers. The perfect storm of big projects and storylines is unfolding as WWE pushes to captivate audiences worldwide.”