3 reasons Cody Rhodes could lose the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble

Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship run began after he beat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 to win the title. Since then, The American Nightmare has defended his gold against top-tier superstars like AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Logan Paul, and Solo Sikoa.

While Rhodes has successfully retained his belt each time he stepped in the ring, there is a chance he might lose it at Royal Rumble. The premium live event is set to take place on February 1, 2025, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In this article, we will look at three reasons why Cody Rhodes might lose the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2025:

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#3. The Rock could return to beat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship

The last time The Rock made an appearance on WWE programming, he seemed to have sent a message to Cody Rhodes at Bad Blood 2024. Hence, in 2025, it won't be surprising to see the wrestler-turned-Hollywood star return to the Stamford-based promotion and challenge Rhodes for his title.

This challenge would naturally be expected by the former AEW star, and the match between the two could take place at Royal Rumble 2025. In this high-stakes clash involving the Undisputed WWE Championship, The Rock could walk out winner, thus leading to Rhodes losing the title.

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#2. Re-create the typical WrestleMania storyline

So far Cody Rhodes has challenged for the World Title at two WrestleManias, and he was successful in only one. But heading into WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, WWE could book another storyline in which they could build The American Nightmare to chase the Undisputed WWE Championship once again.

This storyline in question would involve Rhodes losing the title to a superstar like The Rock. As an example, since The Final Boss is on the Board of Directors of TKO, WWE could present a storyline in which the legend wins the title due to his power. Meanwhile, Rhodes could vow to reclaim the belt at WrestleMania 41, cementing him as an even bigger face than he is at present.

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#1. Make a supervillain

If a superstar loses their title, they either channel their inner John Cena and find their way back to the top, or they go the Drew McIntyre way and hold grudges against everyone who wronged them. Similarly, at Royal Rumble, WWE could set Rhodes on a path to becoming a superheel.

The 39-year-old superstar could lose his Undisputed WWE Championship at the PLE, after which he could turn heel and go after everyone who wronged him. Given some of Rhodes' best work came as a villain, it would be interesting to see this side of him resurface again.