Ghost from Cody Rhodes’ past to return to SmackDown, lay down Survivor Series challenge? Chances explored

Cody Rhodes' next challenger on SmackDown for his Undisputed WWE Championship hasn't been determined yet. The American Nightmare might face-off with his former friend Kevin Owens on the blue brand this week. The Prizefighter recently attacked Rhodes in the parking lot after the Bad Blood Premium Live Event, setting off his heel turn.

However, KO is currently locked in a feud with Randy Orton, as the two had a deadly brawl at Crown Jewel, resulting in their match being called off. If WWE continues to push the Randy Orton-Owens feud, there could be another surprising opponent for Rhodes from the red brand. A ghost from his past, Drew McIntyre!

In this week's episode of SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis could announce McIntyre as the blue brand's newest acquisition from RAW and pit him against Cody Rhodes as the next challenger for the world title at Survivor Series.

The booking makes sense because McIntyre's storyline with CM Punk is over as the two had their rubber match at Bad Blood inside a Hell in a Cell structure. The Scottish Warrior put up a good show but lost against Punk.

McIntyre hasn't shown up on RAW since Bad Blood. He also doesn't have any viable challenger on the red brand because he has feuded with nearly every other top superstar from the roster. Further, McIntyre also doesn't seem to be challenging Gunther for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, as Damian Priest has already emerged as the number-one contender for the title.

Although highly speculative at this point, a storyline with Cody Rhodes makes perfect sense for McIntyre as they haven't been featured in a dramatic story since Rhodes' return to WWE. Also, Cody Rhodes has unfinished business with the Scotsman, which he might want to finish at Survivor Series.

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Cody Rhodes would look to avenge his loss against McIntyre earlier this year

Drew McIntyre had a clash with Cody Rhodes earlier this year in February when the two got inside the ring on Monday Night RAW. The Scottish Psychopath had pinned Cody that night after Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso caused outside interference.

McIntyre also became the second person to pin Rhodes after Roman Reigns. However, the victory wasn't clean as Solo Sikoa had attacked Cody with a Samoan spike. McIntyre took advantage of it, hitting The American Nightmare with a Claymore Kick after the assault.

After the match, McIntyre was called a hypocrite by commentators Pat McAfee and Michael Cole for accepting The Bloodline's help against Cody Rhodes, considering his history with the faction. He reacted to the allegations by saying that he wasn't a hypocrite and chided the popular commentators for pushing false narratives. McIntyre also said that he wanted to attack Solo but the time wasn't right.

Now, Rhodes and McIntyre can continue their storyline at Survivor Series: War Games. However, the possibility of McIntyre beating Cody Rhodes is bleak, as The American Nightmare is the face of the company and is unlikely to drop his Undisputed WWE Title anytime soon.

Only time will tell who McIntyre and Rhodes will feud with next.