WWE Rumors on Cody Rhodes Heel Turn, Drew McIntyre, WrestleMania 42 and Powerhouse Hobbs' New Name

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Cody Rhodes' Heel Turn Reportedly Not Planned

Since losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre earlier this month, Cody Rhodes has shown the darker side of his character in recent weeks.

However, it sounds like Rhodes' recent behavior doesn't mean he will be assuming a villain role anytime soon.

In a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Dave Meltzer reported that WWE doesn't currently have any plans for a heel turn by Rhodes because "his merchandise numbers are nothing to be tinkered with."

WWE released its list of top-selling Superstars of 2025 in November, and Rhodes was featured. The list was posted in alphabetical order and also included Alexa Bliss, AJ Lee, CM Punk, Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso, John Cena, Penta, Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns.

Rhodes was set to face Jacob Fatu at Saturday Night's Main Event, but the two of them brawled before the match officially began. Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre then took the opportunity to attack both of them, standing tall at the end of the segment.

While Rhodes undoubtedly will be out for revenge as he tries to regain his title, his character shift won't be an official heel turn for the time being.

Drew McIntyre's WrestleMania 42 Status Reportedly Revealed

After winning the Undisputed WWE Championship, Drew McIntyre is reportedly set to be at the top of the card for WrestleMania 42.

According to a recent report from BodySlam.net (h/t Ortman), sources said that McIntyre is expected to walk into WrestleMania 42 as the WWE Champion, and a rematch against Cody Rhodes is "the likely match" for him at the biggest wrestling event of the year.

McIntyre is in his third reign as WWE Champion, but he has never carried a world title into WrestleMania. He's set to defend his undisputed title against Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble premium live event next Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

McIntyre's rise to the top has been a testament to his perseverance, as he spent a few years coming up short in his championship pursuits.

Still, there's a lot of time between now and WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19, so anything can change in the coming months. Another match between McIntyre and Rhodes would need to feature a strong story that entices fans as the road to WrestleMania continues.

Powerhouse Hobbs' WWE Name Reportedly Revealed

Former AEW Superstar Powerhouse Hobbs is reportedly set to make the transition to WWE, and he will have a new name when he arrives.

According to a report from BodySlam.net (h/t Ortman), Hobbs' new name in WWE will be Royce Keys.

Hobbs' name change follows a similar pattern for former AEW Superstars who have joined WWE and debuted in NXT, as Mariah May now goes by Blake Monroe and Brian Pillman Jr. now goes by Lexis King. Ricky Starks was allowed to keep part of his name, as he is now Ricky Saints. "All Ego" Ethan Page was allowed to maintain his original moniker.

Hobbs spent six years in AEW, winning the TNT Championship and World Trios Championship one time each.

Fans will need some time to get used to Hobbs' new persona in WWE, but he will have the chance to make sure his name is remembered in his new promotion.