Cody Rhodes is enjoying his second run as WWE Champion after defeating John Cena at SummerSlam earlier this year. While that moment was iconic, his title reign has been slightly underwhelming since then, as WWE hasn’t focused as much on him as on his title matches. He’s only defended the championship once, and Rhodes has spent most of his time in feuds that don’t involve it.
Heading into Crown Jewel, Rhodes competes against Seth Rollins in a champion vs. champion match. While it has been entertaining, fans are wondering what will be next for Rhodes’ title run, when it will end, and who will eventually dethrone him.
Cody Rhodes Will Compete Against Drew McIntyre Again
- Drew McIntyre took Rhodes out for several weeks with an attack
- Fans want to see another WWE Championship match between them
- McIntyre is a believable threat for Rhodes to deal with
Once Rhodes’ rivalry against Rollins ends, WWE will need to refocus on developing his title run and having him put the WWE Championship at the center of what he does. That should lead him back to Drew McIntyre, as the feud between them doesn’t feel finished. McIntyre pushed the American Nightmare throughout recent weeks, cutting great promos while being extremely physical against him.
Their match at Wrestlepalooza was entertaining, with the former Tag Team Champions having great chemistry inside the ring. According to BodySlam.net, Rhodes reportedly requested to lose the title, which showcases how much he believes in McIntyre. That is why they should instantly get back into a feud, with McIntyre continuing to cause the American Nightmare more problems.
Survivor Series: WarGames will likely see Rollins involved in the steel structure. Therefore, the show needs a major World title match to balance things out. That is where Rhodes against McIntyre can fit in, with the two men being able to put on another clinic that will instantly make Rhodes’ title run feel more important as he will have to dig deep to defend it.
Randy Orton Is Going To Turn Heel On Cody Rhodes
- They previously worked together in the Legacy faction
- Orton is a legitimate mentor of Rhodes
- WWE has been teasing slight tension between them lately
The next logical step for Rhodes will be to enter a major storyline between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42, and that’s where Randy Orton should step in. This is a dream feud for many WWE fans, and the company has waited long enough to make it happen. The Viper hasn’t held a World title for many years, but because of his talent, he’s always believable being put into this level storyline.
WWE could push Rhodes’ storyline against McIntyre even more to the point where he needs some help from his former mentor, or someone else could feud against him briefly at Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, it should all boil down to a huge heel turn from Orton where he betrays Rhodes and makes it clear that he wants the WWE Championship more than he wants to be friends with his old Legacy stablemate.
This should lead to an incredible storyline between two of WWE’s biggest stars at the most important time of the year. It feels like a story worthy of WrestleMania season, and it would ensure that WWE fans are totally connected with the biggest prize that the company has, which would only elevate its status.
The Viper Will Dethrone Cody Rhodes For The WWE Champion
- Randy Orton has won 14 World Championships
- Orton hasn’t been a World Champion since 2020
- Orton winning the WWE Championship would be a fresh decision
Ultimately, WWE would be smart to book Orton as the man who dethrones Rhodes, even if the American Nightmare wins it back from him down the line. Orton is a business legend, but WWE has to be careful that he doesn’t just become a nostalgia act, as he still has lots of gas in the tank. Giving Orton his 15th World Title win would instantly remind fans of what he’s capable of, and a heel turn would help that, as he often does his best work in that role.
Orton capturing another title would help him put pressure on John Cena’s world record, which is an important storyline for down the line. But in the moment, this would be a great decision. Whether it happens immediately at the Royal Rumble or WWE waits until WrestleMania 42 to make this happen is hard to predict, but Triple H should have Orton be the man who takes the title.
Despite his career in WWE, Orton’s win would feel fresh at this point, which is what fans want. It would reward him for his work while adding another essential layer to his story with Rhodes. The idea that he still has Rhodes’ number would be smart long-term booking and would lead to Rhodes’ eventual revenge feeling even more important for him and his development.
