WWE legend to return and turn heel on Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle 2024? Analyzing the chances

Cody Rhodes finished the story by winning the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania XL. Since then The American Nightmare has been a fighting champion and one of many feuds that fans want to see is between Rhodes and WWE legend Randy Orton.

Currently, Rhodes is in a feud with AJ Styles and will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against The Phenomenal One in an "I Quit" Match at Clash at the Castle 2024 in Scotland. The former AEW EVP has already successfully defended his title against Styles at Backlash: France and Logan Paul at King and Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia. With SummerSlam approaching fast, many wonder who will be Cody's opponent if he successfully retains his title this Saturday.

For now, the challenger for the World Heavyweight Champion and the WWE Women's Championship has been decided for this year's SummerSlam. The American Nightmare will most likely enter The Biggest Party of the Summer as the Undisputed WWE Champion and will need a challenger. Well, WWE can have 14-time World Champion Orton return and turn heel on Cody Rhodes to set up a feud with Rhodes.

The company previously teased a match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton during a backstage segment a few weeks ago on SmackDown ahead of the King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event.

Orton has been absent on WWE SmackDown for the last two weeks due to an injury he suffered at King and Queen of the Ring against Gunther. Not only did he get injured, but his shoulders weren't on the mat when the referee counted to three. Hence, he didn't technically lose the match and should be given a title shot at SummerSlam 2024.

To get his way, The Viper can turn on his friend by returning at Clash at the Castle and assaulting Cody Rhodes following the Undisputed WWE Championship match. This can set up a feud for SummerSlam 2024. Even though Money in the Bank is scheduled to take place before The Biggest Party of The Summer, Rhodes vs. Orton needs to run longer given that they'll go from friends to foes!

---

Former Intercontinental Champion has no intentions of going after Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Championship is represented on WWE SmackDown and, for a while, this was the top title until Triple H reintroduced the World Heavyweight Championship.

Recently, the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion Gunther was asked about whether he wants to pursue Cody Rhodes' title, and The Ring General made his intentions clear.

"I mean, the future holds that I have a title match for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam [2024] and obviously, that's my goal. The World Heavyweight Championship is the top title on RAW, and that's the roster I got drafted to or stayed on after the last Draft. Obviously, that's my top priority, and the goal is going to be to do the same [as] with the Intercontinental Championship, to win it, hold on to it as long as possible, and add as much prestige and glory to it as possible."

Gunther earned the opportunity to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship by winning the King of the Ring Tournament finals against Randy Orton.