Report: People Close To Cody Rhodes Expect Him To Back Out Of WWE WrestleMania 38

After weeks of rumours and speculation, it emerged a couple of weeks ago that Cody Rhodes had indeed re-signed with WWE, returning to the company he departed six years ago. 

The American Nightmare is expected to return during night one of WrestleMania 38 on Saturday, April 2, as Seth Rollins' mystery opponent, with reports having noted weeks ago that Rhodes vs. Rollins was the plan for The Show Of Shows.

While Rhodes as Rollins' mystery opponent may be the current plan, there is seemingly a possibility it will fall through before the show as Dave Meltzer reported on Instinct Culture with Denise Salcedo that people close to Cody expect him to back out of WrestleMania.  

"Everyone expects it and they kind of have to deliver it I suppose. If it's not him it's his choosing, it's not theirs (WWE). They believe it's him. They believe that's the guy. If for whatever reason he backs out because he's gonna back out - I don't expect that to happen but I know people close to him who do so what the hell. We'll have to see how it plays out," Meltzer said. 

Prior to agreeing to a WWE return, Cody was a founding member of All Elite Wrestling but he departed the promotion after three years as he and Brandi Rhodes were unable to agree to terms on a new contract. 

Rhodes spent 10 years with WWE during his first run with the company from 2006 until 2016 and he left as a two-time Intercontinental Champion and six-time tag team champion.