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As confirmed earlier today, Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi have left AEW. The two were integral in forming the company that posed a direct competition to WWE – an occurrence that has happened for the first time in decades.
Their departure instantly gave rise to speculation about Cody’s potential return to Vince McMahon’s promotion. He has a history there that dates back generations. Thus, it isn’t a far-fetched fantasy to expect a groundbreaking return sooner rather than later.
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In this list, we look at some of the biggest possible feuds for Cody Rhodes when he returns to WWE. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Female superstar says she inspired John Cena turning heel HERE
#5. Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is currently one of the best heels in the entire pro-wrestling business. His recent character work has made most fans question why WWE forced him to remain a babyface for so long. In the words of the Tribal Chief, he is in 'God Mode' right now and the biggest target for anyone in the entire promotion.
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE will be perfect if he goes straight after the face of the company. His previous run was underwhelming, but now, he will come back after revolutionizing the entire business. He can look anyone in the eye and tell them that he didn’t need anyone’s help to immortalize his name in the pro-wrestling world. Imagine if he did that while standing across from WWE’s biggest star.
Moreover, it would be a safe booking decision as even if Cody Rhodes loses against Reigns, it would hardly affect his credibility. The Universal Champion could pick up a victory with another unclean finish that would help in three important ways.
First, Cody will remain a part of the championship picture as he will have a legitimate reason to come for the title once again. Second, WWE will get to make a statement by having Reigns beat one of the biggest names from their rival promotion without affecting the wrestler’s reputation.
Lastly, the creative team won’t have to build Cody Rhodes right from scratch. And frankly, it is not required. Since leaving WWE in 2016, Cody Rhodes has traveled the world, built his legacy in the independent circuit across borders, and spearheaded the creation of WWE’s biggest competition in years. He has the right to walk into the biggest matches, should he decide to return to WWE.
While we are at it, it is worth mentioning that the WWE creative team should avoid making a blunder by booking Cody Rhodes weakly after his return. This is a star that they can use to make a strong statement. Cody can work as both a babyface and a heel in a storyline with the Head of the Table, and fans will be excited to see them share a ring.
The mere curiosity surrounding how the American Nightmare will be booked against Roman Reigns in WWE is bound to draw more eyeballs towards the product. Vince McMahon could turn the tide if he signs Cody to make him the first AEW superstar to move to WWE.
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes has money written all over it, and with the right booking, this feud could be one of the most memorable in pro-wrestling history.
#4. Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles
Once upon a time, Cody Rhodes was part of the infamous Bullet Club. While he and his fellow members went on to form AEW, his association with the stable connected him to several other members, both from past and present.
One such name is AJ Styles, who led the group between 2016 and 2018. The Phenomenal One left the leadership just before Cody joined the group, and the two didn’t cross paths in NJPW.
But that won’t be the case in WWE. Styles has repeatedly said that he will do everything it takes to get other names over in the business as he now wants to give back to the wrestling community.
He would make for a great first opponent against Cody as he won’t mind losing against the former AEW star. This would help establish the latter as a top name immediately upon his arrival – something that the creative team should look to do.
#3 Cody Rhodes vs. Finn Balor
Long before Finn Balor first made his name in the WWE Universe, he was Prince Devitt – the original leader of the Bullet Club. He was the one who established the group that gave us multiple superstars over the years - including AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, Jay White, and Adam Cole. The list is too good to miss, especially when there’s an incredible opportunity to get any of them to work together.
A feud with Finn Balor would be perfect for reintroducing Cody Rhodes to the WWE Universe. This would help him take on one of the fan favorites and instantly make his presence known on the main roster. Balor has lost against several names in the last few months, but doing the same against Cody Rhodes would at least serve the right purpose.
Balor’s booking in WWE has been far from perfect, but his biggest enemy is still the fate that cruelly stands between him and the accolades he deserves. Maybe this feud with Cody will be the one that makes up for most of the things that have happened to him since he was forced to relinquish the Universal Championship due to an unfortunate injury. If booked well, this rivalry has the potential to work wonders for both Finn and Cody in WWE.
#2. Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens
Cody Rhodes’ potential return to WWE deserves a top-notch story-telling, and one of the best possible opponents for him is Kevin Owens. The two superstars are friends in real life and have known each other since Cody’s first run in WWE. KO could use that history to deliver an entertaining narrative with a returning superstar.
There are several good heels in WWE at the moment, but Owens stands apart. He knows how to make any storyline an instant hit and can be trusted to work alongside a former AEW star without making them look inferior.
As has been said before, it will be a mistake if WWE intentionally make Cody look bad simply because of his role in creating AEW. In fact, they should look to make the most of one of the biggest returns that could happen this decade.
#1 Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes vs. The Miz and Maryse
Both Cody and Brandi Rhodes have parted ways with AEW. If he is to return to WWE, he will most likely be accompanied by his wife. Brandi was excellent while working alongside her husband, and they can work similarly well in WWE. They will find exciting opponents in The Miz and Maryse, who have recently returned to working together.
Both couples are similar in more ways than we can count. Top heels, narcissistic gimmicks, and a hit reality TV show – this is a readymade storyline that will allow a WWE couple to put over another popular pro-wrestling pair.
Can you imagine the intensity of promo wars when these four superstars cross paths? It may not be the biggest match for Cody, but it will set expectations from his run alongside his wife in the company.
Similarly, Cody and Brandi Rhodes can also feud with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. The star couples of this industry can deliver an entertaining feud leading to a potential match at WrestleMania. And they wouldn't even require a title to make this storyline intense.
