On April 20, 2025, Rhodes' first reign with the Undisputed WWE Championship ended. He held it for 378 days after beating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 for it. The loss was thanks in large part to rapper Travis Scott, who interfered in the match. He helped Cena win by distracting Rhodes. It furthered the growing feud between Rhodes and Scott.

The former IWGP United States champion and group member alongside Jay White and Austin and Colton Gunn has been sidelined since last November, when he suffered a broken fibula during the Continental Classic tournament.

"The American Nightmare" can continue his feud with John Cena, but the latter likely won't drop the strap until the end of his farewell tour. Rhodes has a ready-made rivalry with Randy Orton, ready to be heated up at any time, but it would likely have to be a face-versus-face matchup at this point, considering how over both are as faces.