After one of the gutsiest, most captivating performances in pro wrestling in recent memory, Cody Rhodes is set for surgery later this week.
That should come as no surprise to anyone who watched Rhodes enter the ring for his Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins at the event of the same name Sunday night. WWE had announced on social media prior to the show that Rhodes had a torn right pec, but would compete anyway. He verified that by revealing one of the nastiest bruises you’ll ever see, one that took up a huge part of the right side of his chest.
Rhodes not only competed in a lengthy match with Rollins, but emerged with a dramatic, compelling victory given the obvious pain and lack of motion affecting him. People in attendance live noted that after the broadcast went off the air, Rhodes said he would likely say something about his status on Monday night.
According to Fightful Select, that is indeed the plan, as Rhodes is “currently scheduled for WWE Raw.” The outlet says he’ll then have surgery on his torn pec Thursday, putting him out of action for some time.
How long is now the biggest question. Fightful Select points out that torn pecs aren’t all that uncommon in pro wrestling, and that recovery time has ranged in some of the most famous cases from just under four months to six month. The high end of that range for Rhodes could mean he’s off WWE programming until near the end of 2022.
Considering how successful he’s looked as a top star in the few months since his return to WWE, that would be unfortunate for both the wrestler and the company. But after his unforgettable Hell in a Cell performance, Rhodes looks set for an “absence makes the heart grow fonder” situation while he heals up, with the fans greeting him like a conquering hero whenever he’s finally ready to return.
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