Report: Backstage News On Cody Rhodes & The Undisputed WWE Universal Title

Since his return at WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes has been presented as a top star in WWE, having picked up three wins over Seth Rollins. 

The American Nightmare made it clear following his return that he wants to win the WWE Championship, that being the title that his father Dusty Rhodes never held. Cody looked to be on a collision course with Roman Reigns over the Undisputed WWE Universal Title but Rhodes is now out of action after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle in June.

Any potential match with Reigns seemingly wouldn't have ended with a win for The American Nightmare, though. According to Fightful Select, there were no firm plans for Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship before he tore his pec in June and no plans had been solidified for Cody to win either the WWE or Universal titles. 

Instead, Vince McMahon - who was CEO and Chairman of WWE at the time - was "all on board" with Reigns having a run as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and carrying both belts. 

Reigns has held both the WWE and Universal titles since a unification match with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. The company's reported plan will also see Reigns remain a world champion until at least WrestleMania 39. 

Cody Rhodes is expected to return in early 2023, with many expecting him to be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble.