Reports from inside WWE reveal that despite widespread speculation, Cody Rhodes is not turning heel in the immediate future, while rising star Sol Ruca is gaining strong backstage momentum for an imminent main roster debut.
For months leading into and around SummerSlam 2025, rumors suggested Cody Rhodes might adopt a villainous persona, stirring anticipation among fans eager for a dramatic character shift. However, according to recent insider information disclosed on the WrestleVotes Radio podcast and corroborated by multiple sources including Sportskeeda‘s Rohit Nath, those plans are currently nonexistent. WWE appears to have used the heel-turn tease as a deliberate red herring designed to mislead the “hardcore” fanbase and maintain surprise value[1].
An insider from WWE confirmed, “The notion of Cody turning heel was more of a storyline misdirection. He’s a flagship face for the company, and with his image on major merchandise like Minute Maid cartons nationwide, going heel just isn’t aligned with WWE’s current marketing approach.” This aligns with commentary elsewhere arguing that Cody’s clean, heroic image remains vital to his branding and WWE’s long-term storytelling[2].
Conversely, Sol Ruca’s star is noticeably rising backstage, with several creative influences from RAW and SmackDown paying attention to the high-energy, polished in-ring style she’s demonstrated in NXT. A recent report by WrestleVotes highlighted that Ruca’s performances have struck a chord with WWE officials, placing her on the verge of a main roster call-up[Reference Summary].
Sources close to WWE confirmed to Wrestling Headlines, “Sol’s progression has been impressive. She blends technical skills with charisma that both fans and talent relations find impressive. The consensus is that her arrival on the main roster could come very soon, possibly within the next few months.” This is consistent with WWE’s recent trend of elevating NXT stars quickly when they show strong potential[Reference Summary].
In the broader landscape, the hesitation to turn Cody heel may also stem from WWE’s strategic commitment towards building long-term protagonists who can carry the company’s face on both narrative and commercial fronts. Analysts at Bleacher Report postulated that while a heel turn could drastically shake up WWE dynamics—potentially rejuvenating storylines—there is still significant value placed on Cody’s status as a top babyface champion, especially during the crucial final phase of John Cena’s retirement tour[3].
Moreover, fan reaction and merchandise sales often influence WWE’s creative decisions. As per insiders, turning a highly marketable star like Cody heel would risk alienating certain demographics that have supported his character for years. Conversely, Ruca’s ascent is seen as complementary to such established faces, injecting fresh energy and new storytelling avenues into WWE programming.
Recent interviews and podcasts provide additional context. While some commentators believe a heel turn remains a possible plot twist further down the line, current evidence suggests that Cody Rhodes will continue as a heroic figure for the time being, leaving fans eager to see what storylines unfold next[4].
Key takeaways:
- Cody Rhodes will maintain his babyface status for now, with WWE using heel-turn rumors as a strategic distraction.
- Sol Ruca is on the cusp of a main roster promotion, driven by strong backstage buzz and creative interest.
- The company values Cody’s marketability and established fan connection, making an immediate heel turn unlikely.
- Ruca’s arrival promises fresh in-ring action and diversified storytelling, addressing WWE’s broader goal of evolving its roster.
This backstage insight comes as WWE looks to balance legacy stars and emerging talent ahead of upcoming events. Fans can expect Cody Rhodes to remain a cornerstone face while Sol Ruca could break through to the larger WWE audience very soon, signaling exciting shifts in the company’s future landscape.
(Article date: August 7, 2025)