Cody Rhodes’ WWE Backlash Match Status Uncertain Following WrestleMania 42 Injury

Cody Rhodes’ immediate future in WWE just became less certain, as a new update suggests his ability to compete at Backlash is still very much in question following WrestleMania 42.

After Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in the chaotic Night One main event, concerns quickly surfaced about the damage he suffered during the match. His left eye swelled badly in the aftermath, raising fears about a possible fracture and his availability for WWE’s next premium live event.

Dave Meltzer reported that Rhodes’ condition is still being closely monitored, and his status for Backlash remains undecided while doctors continue evaluating the injury.

“As far as whether he’ll be able to wrestle at Backlash, it is up in the air pending the eye being fully evaluated.”

That uncertainty comes after Rhodes was placed into concussion protocol following the match, which initially raised concerns about a potential head injury. However, the latest information suggests that move was precautionary rather than the result of confirmed trauma.

“Rhodes was announced as being in concussion protocol, which he was and still is, but is believed to have not suffered a concussion. The concussion protocol was said to be a precautionary measure.”

There is also still some uncertainty about exactly how the injury occurred during the match. Rhodes took several heavy shots in the closing moments, including a punch from Randy Orton that appeared to land flush. Another possibility involves accidental contact during the Cody Cutter into RKO sequence.

“Rhodes’ left eye was swollen badly and almost shut. From those in WWE, we never got a clarification if it was from a punch as there was one punch by Orton during a slugfest that appeared to land hard, or doing the Cody Cutter into the RKO spot where there was accidental head contact.”

While there is at least some encouraging news — including early indications that Rhodes may have avoided an orbital bone fracture — the uncertainty surrounding Backlash remains the biggest question right now.

“He has still yet to be fully evaluated on the left eye injury, but right now, there is no orbital bone fracture which would be a serious enough injury to put him out of action for some time.”

Rhodes walked out of WrestleMania 42 still holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, but with Backlash approaching, WWE may soon face a difficult decision depending on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.

Do you think WWE should still book Cody Rhodes for Backlash if he’s medically cleared at the last minute, or should the company hold him off until he’s fully recovered? Let us know your thoughts and join the discussion.