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WWE is a sports entertainment realm dominated by surprises and drama. Triple H has brought a sense of stability to the product, but his approach has relied on long-term storytelling which emphasizes longer championship reigns.
However, a small shift may be in the pipeline. The Speed Championship, defended on X (fka Twitter) exclusively, switched hands as Dragon Lee defeated Andrade ahead of this week's SmackDown. This change of guard could just be the tip of the iceberg.
RAW will be moving to the global streaming platform Netflix in a matter of weeks, and WWE's Chief Content Officer may have to make a few adjustments for the big switch, which may involve a few surprise title changes in the coming weeks.
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On that note, let's look at four surprising title changes that could happen before 2025:
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#4. Kevin Owens dethrones Cody Rhodes to become Undisputed WWE Champion?
Cody Rhodes went to hell and back to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL. He has also endured many trials and tribulations to keep the title for more than 200 days. Rhodes has also been linked to high-profile opponents like The Rock and Randy Orton for 'Mania next year.
Hence, The American Nightmare may not be losing the top prize anytime soon. However, Triple H could pull a major swerve by booking Kevin Owens to dethrone Rhodes, even if it is for a transitional reign.
KO betrayed his good friends, Rhodes, and Randy Orton. Orton was put on the shelf with a neck-jarring Piledriver, and The Viper is expected to be out of commission for a while. The American Nightmare wants a piece of Owens, but Nick Aldis doesn't want The Prizefighter around.
Either way, Owens and Rhodes are on a collision course. Survivor Series: WarGames appears to be a fitting location, but WWE could extend the blow-off for another date, where KO could shock the world.
Owens has reverted to his ruthless ways, which earned him much success on NXT and his early stint on the main roster. He could replicate the same magic by Stunning Rhodes to become WWE Champion.
#3. Shinsuke Nakamura could defeat LA Knight
LA Knight received an unpleasant surprise last SmackDown. Moments after successfully defending the US Championship against Berto, Knight was surprised by the returning Shinsuke Nakamura, who laid out the champion with a Kinshasa.
The message was clear as The Artist jumped the champion to send a statement. Nakamura has been a non-factor in 2024. He was used as a stepping stone for rising talent and top babyfaces. The former Royal Rumble winner had not been seen for months.
Either way, the Japanese sensation could end 2024 on a high. The Megastar could drop the US Championship to Nakamura. The loss would make room for Knight to enter the main event scene and Nakamura to find his footing on SmackDown.
#2. The War Raiders run through The Judgment Day en route to winning the World Tag Team Championship?
The Judgment Day's Finn Balor and JD McDonagh finally have worthy opponents as The War Raiders are set to challenge the World Tag Team Champions. And although Erik and Ivar are outnumbered, the odds could potentially be in their favor.
Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio have some brewing tension that could fracture The Judgment Day's unity. Dirty Dom has a history of betraying his friends and family, and he could further that reputation by costing his brethren the World Tag Team Championship.
The War Raiders could be better champions because they are less likely to be involved in faction feuds and title-unrelated programs.
#1. Damian Priest reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship is a possibility
Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship reign recently crossed the 100-day mark, but fans can already sense a much longer run. The Ring General has been a WWE superstar for more than half a decade, and he spent most of his stint as NXT UK and Intercontinental Champion.
However, the World Heavyweight Champion may have lost his "vibe," as suggested by Damian Priest, his challenger at Survivor Series: WarGames. The Punisher took Gunther to the limit at SummerSlam and could have defeated him if Finn Balor hadn't interfered.
Furthermore, The Ring General also lost to Cody Rhodes at WWE Crown Jewel. Hence, Priest has an opening. He could capitalize on Gunther's vulnerable phase, having already gained a mental advantage, and reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship.
Ludwig Kaiser could also play a potential role in this scenario by costing his friend the World Heavyweight Championship, turning Gunther into a babyface.
