It’s hard to argue against the idea that Cody Rhodes‘ torn pec has been one of the biggest pro wrestling bummers of 2022, even if the injury gave us the most awe-inspiring in-ring performance in recent memory.
As people burned up their keyboards searching for “How long does recovery take from a torn pec?” after Rhodes had surgery a few weeks ago, the consensus was one of a surprise when WWE suggested he could be out nine months while recovering. After all, John Cena made it back from a similar injury in less than four months.
(On the other hand, he’s John Cena.)
But it’s possible that WWE is just trying to manage expectations for one of its hottest performers in 2022 by stating the longest possible time, the same way Applebee’s tells you it’s a 20-minute wait and then seats you in 10. Rhodes slyly hinted at a faster timetable for his return in an Instagram Story (as spotted by Fightful’s Robert DeFelice), giving fans hope they may see him in the ring again before the end of the year.
Cody Rhodes addresses his 9-month recovery timetable via his Instagram Story pic.twitter.com/ZRovUfKkJq
— Robert DeFelice (@dudefelice) June 22, 2022
Rhodes’ WWE return has been one of the most notable positive stories in the pro wrestling industry this year. The company that gave the second-generation wrestler his first exposure to a worldwide audience treated him like a big deal when he rejoined after finding greater success in NJPW, ROH and as one of the architects of AEW, and he repaid it by looking every bit a main event-caliber attraction.
Though the potential for him to reach his stated goal of achieving the WWE world championship his legendary father never quite captured seems real, that quest is on hold for now. But if Rhodes has anything to say about it, the next chapter might not have to wait until next March, and that would be fantastic news for both WWE and wrestling fans in general.
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