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The news of Cody Rhodes' departure from AEW shocked the wrestling world. After being one of the founding fathers and EVPs of the promotion, Rhodes leaving caught many by surprise. Even more shocking was the revelation that Cody was rumored to be returning to his former home of WWE.
Feeling disgruntled with his direction in the company, Rhodes decided to leave WWE after nearly a decade in 2016. Cody set out with several goals and pretty much achieved them all. He paved the way for a new indie golden age and became the hottest commodity outside WWE with ROH and NJPW.
Rhodes then joined up with The Elite to co-promote the biggest independent wrestling event ever, All In, which led to the creation of AEW.
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With Cody's possible return on the table, many fans have been wondering if he could be part of WrestleMania 38 in Dallas.
WWE is reportedly pushing hard to get a deal done to bring him in. Two nights of 'Mania means they need star power like Cody. However, one lingering question remains in who he'll face at The Show of Shows.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five realistic WrestleMania matches for Cody Rhodes.
#5. Cody Rhodes vs. Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley's status for WrestleMania 38 is currently up in the air after he suffered a shoulder injury that took him out of the Elimination Chamber. It is unknown when Lashley will return, but if a speedy recovery is in the cards, he will be another top star in need of a major bout for 'Mania.
Cody absolutely needs to face a main eventer in his return. The best way to put him in the upper echelon of superstars is by pitting him against another.
Lashley fits the bill as a former two-time WWE Champion. With MVP by his side, the All-Mighty could make an open challenge for anyone and the American Nightmare could answer the call.
Rhodes has been adamant about staying a babyface for his charity endeavors and as a role model for his daughter, so his first feud back in WWE needs to be against a strong heel.
Not many characters have been built as well as the All-Mighty. Cody will have to use his speed and resourcefulness to overcome this huge challenge on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
#4. Cody Rhodes vs. Dolph Ziggler for the NXT Championship
The brand that Cody Rhodes arrives on will say a lot about how the company views him.
He would be a welcome addition to SmackDown, which lacks major top stars outside of Roman Reigns at the moment. Over on Raw, he will have plenty of dream matches to pursue with the superstars of the red brand.
However, Rhodes could probably make the biggest impact by heading to NXT 2.0.
As of late, more and more main roster talent have shown up on Tuesday nights, which now includes the new NXT Champion Dolph Ziggler. To truly elevate the brand, WWE could give fans a NXT Championship match at 'Mania.
Cody challenging Ziggler to win the gold could establish a change in tone and importance for the developmental brand. It might be best to make a splash in his first match back.
#3. Cody Rhodes vs. Ricochet for the Intercontinental Championship
WWE has seen a lot of title changes as of late, but none may have been as surprising as Ricochet winning the Intercontinental Championship. The high-flier has been lost in the shuffle for years before suddenly gaining a rocketboost of momentum in the past few weeks.
If the company wants to truly push Ricochet, a major IC Title Match at WrestleMania 38 is the best way to accomplish that. Going against a memorable past champion like Cody Rhodes could result in both men being elevated.
Rhodes possibly reclaiming the title that he was best known for during his first run could mark his ascent to the top of WWE.
#2. Cody Rhodes vs. Finn Balor for the United States Championship
Another new champion that Cody Rhodes could set his sights on is Finn Balor. Balor defeated Damian Priest to win the United States Championship on Raw two weeks ago. Although Priest may be in line for a rematch, it's not impossible to think that Cody will step in and make a challenge for the Showcase of Immortals.
Despite never crossing paths, Balor and Rhodes both have ties to NJPW and their most infamous stable, Bullet Club. Finn was a founding member and Cody helped take the group to new heights along with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
If they can draw on this historic connection, this could be a show-stealer at WrestleMania 38.
#1. Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Of course, this list has to end with the most obvious option for the American Nightmare's return bout.
Right now, Seth Rollins is by far the biggest WWE superstar without a direct path to 'Mania. The former Universal Champion has faced the likes of Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens at the event in the past, so he needs an opponent with credibility.
That's a spot that Cody Rhodes can fill perfectly. Feuding with someone of Rollins' caliber would immediately thrust Rhodes into the main event scene.
Cody and Seth have plenty of history as well. The two clashed in tremendous tag contests with Dustin Rhodes and Roman Reigns back in 2013. If Rhodes and Rollins can match their past tag team excellence in a singles meeting, this has all the makings to be a modern day 'Mania classic.
Additionally, the winner would have to be in line for a title opportunity after the show. That's why a showdown with Seth Rollins is the most realistic WrestleMania 38 match for Cody Rhodes.
