Former WWE star to return after 4-year absence, Randy Orton is back? - 4 of Cody Rhodes’ friends who can avenge him against Kevin Owens

Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship following his victory over Kevin Owens at Saturday Night's Main Event. This win didn't come without a cost for the American Nightmare.

KO attacked his opponent after the match and used a banned move, the piledriver, injuring him. Cody Rhodes left the ring on a stretcher and has been ruled out indefinitely to recover.

As his rivalry with the former World Champion is far from over, we take a look at four of Cody Rhodes' friends who could step up and help him in his feud with KO.

#4. Matt Cardona could make a WWE comeback to help Cody Rhodes

Matt Cardona left WWE in 2020 and has spent time with other wrestling companies since then. However, reports often suggest that he might return, especially with his wife, Chelsea Green, doing a great job on SmackDown after becoming the inaugural Women's United States Champion at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Cardona briefly worked with Cody Rhodes in AEW, and the two could reunite in WWE if the former steps up and goes after Kevin Owens. It would be an excellent way for Cardona to make his WWE return after four years, and he could also join the SmackDown roster and work with his wife.

#3. Jey Uso has unfinished business with Drew McIntyre

Jey Uso and Drew McIntyre at Money in the Bank (Photo credit: WWE.com)

The Yeet Master is currently out following a backstage assault from Drew McIntyre on Monday Night RAW. Even if he has unfinished business with the Scottish Warrior, he could get involved in Rhodes/Owens rivalry and go after KO.

This scenario could create new angles in the storyline, as KO could team up with Drew McIntyre to assault Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes, allowing WWE Creative to add some tag team action to the feud.

#2. Sami Zayn could reignite his feud with Kevin Owens

Like Jey Uso, Sami Zayn has unfinished business with Drew McIntyre. With McIntyre and Kevin Owens being top heels and targeting anyone aligned with Roman Reigns and The OG Bloodline, Sami Zayn could also become part of the storyline.

KO could show up on RAW and align with The Scottish Warrior, seeking to cause more damage after injuring the American Nightmare. Zayn could attempt to stop him and eventually reignite their feud.

Such an angle would make more sense, especially if Sami leaves RAW during the Transfer Window and joins the SmackDown roster. Zayn and McIntyre will collide Monday on RAW, which could shed more light on whether Kevin Owens will get involved in their feud.

#1. Randy Orton could return to take revenge on Kevin Owens

Maybe this is the most likely scenario, given that KO was the one that injured Randy Orton and ruled him out indefinitely, using the same move, the piledriver.

With Cody now out, WWE could bring The Viper back and continue the storyline, as the 14-time World Champion will be out for revenge.

With Rhodes seeking revenge on Owens following the latter's assault on Randy Orton, the Viper could now do the same and make his return to assault Kevin Owens.

This Friday on SmackDown, Kevin Owens is expected to show up and explain his actions, so an Orton comeback could be the next step in the feud with KO.