Cody Rhodes to face a top WWE heel in first-ever match at Survivor Series: WarGames? It's not Kevin Owens

Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens are embroiled in an intense feud on SmackDown lately. With their animosity reaching a boiling point, this will likely culminate in a blockbuster match at Survivor Series: WarGames. However, WWE might pull off a massive swerve by putting Rhodes against a top heel in a first-ever match at the November 30 spectacle instead of The Prizefighter.

The star in question is Jacob Fatu. The possibility arose after both superstars locked horns in a dark match after this week's RAW. The American Nightmare facing Fatu in a bout could indicate that WWE may have plans to start a program between the two after Crown Jewel. With Kevin Owens currently involved in a feud with Randy Orton, the company could delay his feud with the Undisputed WWE Champion.

However, the chances of Jacob Fatu vs. Cody Rhodes happening at Survivor Series: WarGames this year are extremely low. The reason is the fact that dark matches are only for the entertainment purposes of the live audience and do not hold much significance. Their result does not have a direct impact on the ongoing storyline in WWE in most cases.

Moreover, it seems that WWE is more invested in the deeply personal rivalry between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes. Besides, The Prizefighter recently turned heel, particularly for this very rivalry, which fans have been clamoring for. Therefore, pivoting from this feud at this point to start another high-profile program would impede the red hot momentum of Owens and this storyline.

Hence, WWE might move forward with the rumored match between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series: WarGames. However, a program between Jacob Fatu and The American Nightmare might take place down the line.

Can Cody Rhodes' Survivor Series: WarGames match have a stipulation?

Cody Rhodes has not defended his Undisputed WWE Championship for a significant period of time. Considering his inter-brand match with Gunther at Crown Jewel, there is a high chance he might defend his title in November at Survivor Series: WarGames.

With him potentially going up against Kevin Owens, it is possible that WWE might add a massive stipulation in their match at the spectacle. The rivalry between The Prizefighter and The American Nightmare has become deeply personal. With an animosity of this magnitude, WWE can turn their potential singles match into a 'Street Fight' or even an 'Extreme Rules' match.

This will provide an extra layer to their storyline, which has taken an interesting turn. Besides, Rhodes and Owens have already faced each other in a singles match at Bash in Berlin. Therefore, the chances of a gimmick bout are relatively high. Furthermore, it will also add grandeur to an iconic premium live event like Survivor Series: WarGames, which is set to take place in KO's home country in Canada.

Although the chances of a stipulation match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens are pretty high, this is merely speculation at the moment. Only time will tell how WWE will plan this feud leading up to the spectacle in November.