Cody Rhodes is heading into Crown Jewel next month as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. He is nearing 200 days with the title since finishing his story at WrestleMania 40.
The American Nightmare has had a solid reign, successfully defending the belt against top contenders like AJ Styles, Logan Paul, Solo Sikoa, and Kevin Owens. With major premium live events on the horizon, things are sure to heat up as some significant challengers emerge on Cody's path.
Below are the three best and two worst options to dethrone Cody Rhodes as the next Undisputed WWE Champion.
#5. Best: Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens' turn on Cody Rhodes has been one of the most unique heel turns in recent memory. The evolving dynamic between Owens, Rhodes, and the company is becoming more intriguing by the week.
All signs point to The Prizefighter being the next in line for a title shot against Rhodes. While many wouldn't expect Owens to dethrone Cody at this stage, a surprise title change could make KO the perfect choice. Having not held a world title since his Universal Championship run in 2016-17, Owens capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship could provide a refreshing twist.
#4. Worst: Solo Sikoa
Solo Sikoa has emerged as the leader of the new Bloodline, with one of his main targets being Cody Rhodes and his World Championship. Many would argue that Solo came very close to taking the title from Rhodes at SummerSlam, and if Roman Reigns had not interfered, he would have won.
While Solo is thriving in his current role as the Tribal Chief, a World Title win is not something he needs right now. Many fans believe Solo isn't quite ready for that level of responsibility, and hence, it would not be wise for WWE to put the title on him at this point.
#3. Best: Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has made it clear to Cody Rhodes that once he finishes dealing with The Bloodline business, he will come after the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Despite losing the title at WrestleMania 40, Reigns still remains arguably WWE’s biggest attraction. If the company is looking for a reliable option to dethrone Rhodes, they need to look no further than Roman Reigns himself.
#2. Worst: The Rock
Recent reports suggest that a major match between Cody Rhodes and The Rock is in the works, potentially set for WrestleMania 41 next year. Their interaction on RAW after 'Mania 40 and The Rock’s shocking return at Bad Blood hint that this showdown may indeed be on the horizon.
However, putting the World Title on The Rock at this stage might not be the best move for the promotion. With his part-time schedule, a title reign wouldn’t bring much value, especially considering the number of full-time top stars who could benefit more from holding the championship.
#1. Best: WWE Superstar Randy Orton
Randy Orton is a 14-time World Champion and has expressed his desire to add a few more title reigns before retiring. However, Orton has not yet pursued Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship, likely due to their long-standing friendship.
With Kevin Owens recently turning on both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, signs suggest that Orton may be growing frustrated with the situation. As the tension continues to build, it seems increasingly likely that Orton could eventually turn on his former Legacy stablemate.
Fans have long anticipated a potential Mentor vs. Student showdown between the two since Rhodes' return to the company. It now seems that the current storyline direction may soon make it a reality.
Orton is doing some of the best work of his career right now, and he may be the one to ultimately dethrone Cody Rhodes and become the next Undisputed WWE Champion.