The American Nightmare has officially declared for the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble Match!#Rhodes2Rumble pic.twitter.com/xGOTxTwdGB — WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2023 WWE confirmed The American Nightmare’s January 28 return on this week’s Monday Night Raw episode, where we found out that the WWE superstar is part of the headliner event’s 30-man lineup. This is Rhodes’ first taste of in-ring action after spending most of last year in recovery. The former All Elite Wrestling TNT Champion has been teasing his return for a while now, with his wife, Brandi Rhodes, all but confirmed that Cody Rhodes’ return was only a matter of when and not if. Before being written off the WWE’s plans for most of last year following a torn pectoral muscle injury he suffered before his pay-per-view match at the 2022 Hell in a Cell against Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes was seen as an ever-looming threat for the promotion’s top titles. His return has fueled rumors that he’ll win the Royal Rumble for a shot against the WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, at WrestleMania 39. However, Rhodes’ return at the Royal Rumble tells us that the negotiations with The Rock to compete at the said event or at WrestleMania 39 fell through. If it’s any consolation, seeing Rhodes back inside the squared circle is perfect timing for a troubled WWE. Public perception of the WWE is threatening an all-time low after Vince McMahon forced his way back as the executive chairman of the company. The world’s leading wrestling promotion is believed to be looking for a buyer, which may or may not be Saudi Arabia.
