The WWE Night of Champions brought an unexpected twist as Sami Zayn clinched the Undisputed Championship. Zayn secured the victory by pinning Cody Rhodes, although Rhodes was safeguarded from a decisive defeat through a roll-up loss.
Despite losing the title to a deserving contender, history suggests Rhodes might soon reclaim his championship.
Thanks for the submission!
Rhodes could potentially regain the championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden or during a SmackDown episode. Although he needs a break from the title race, participating in a title match at the Biggest Party of the Summer remains a possibility. Here are five potential opponents for Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther, with Nick Aldis as Special Guest Referee
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis has been favoring Cody Rhodes by granting him title matches even after his loss, which has stirred tension within the roster.
Gunther has been discontent with the developments in his title matches over the past two months, blaming Aldis following Night of Champions and even confronting the GM physically.
Gunther has claimed that Aldis, a former wrestler, is envious of him. This could lead to Aldis either returning to the ring or Rhodes stepping up to defend his friend. Aldis might serve as a special guest referee, further aggravating Gunther.
Randy Orton comes back for revenge
Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming since his loss to Rhodes in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 42, which was meant to be a shot at his 15th World Championship.
The storyline became more complex with the involvement of Jelly Roll and Pat McAfee, whom Orton attacked after his defeat.
The Legend Killer might return after Night of Champions to reignite his rivalry with his former ally, seeking retribution for his past loss, possibly at SummerSlam.
A WWE Title rematch with Sami Zayn
The dynamic between Rhodes and Sami Zayn has soured due to their differing success levels. Rhodes has benefited from preferential booking as a champion.
The Underdog of the Underground, Zayn, finally achieved a World Championship win on his 10th attempt by pinning Rhodes, maintaining a tense relationship between the two.
Zayn has earned the right to appear as the WWE Champion in Minnesota, but unexpected developments could occur in the run-up to SummerSlam. Should Femi choose Roman Reigns, Rhodes might have a rematch at SummerSlam.
A circuitous route for Oba Femi
Historically, Cody Rhodes has often regained titles soon after losing them. He lost the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 but reclaimed it at SummerSlam by winning the 2025 King of the Ring. A similar pattern occurred during his feud with Drew McIntyre earlier this year.
McIntyre had been involved in a long-standing rivalry with Rhodes, eventually capturing the title in a steel cage match before the Royal Rumble. After Jacob Fatu’s interference prevented Rhodes from regaining his title, Nick Aldis granted him an immediate rematch post-Elimination Chamber.
Even Randy Orton acknowledged that the title change disrupted his plans after winning the Chamber match. With Aldis likely to offer Rhodes a rematch against Zayn, Rhodes might reclaim the title before SummerSlam. Although it could be considered a mistake, WWE might prefer having Rhodes in a prominent role at SummerSlam, potentially leading to Femi challenging him there.
CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes
Many of Cody Rhodes’ feuds have revolved around strained friendships, including with Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, and Sami Zayn. Zayn even highlighted this to Cody, who dismissed it.
CM Punk and Rhodes have crossed paths multiple times since Punk’s WWE return, maintaining a cordial relationship unless a title was at stake. Both entered WrestleMania as champions, but only Rhodes emerged with a title.
Despite his victory, Rhodes felt dissatisfied with his performance at The Showcase of the Immortals, while Punk accepted his loss to Roman Reigns.
As SummerSlam approaches, the need for fresh talent on SmackDown might see Punk moving to the brand. Recently absent, Punk’s return could spark a new storyline with Rhodes, potentially leading to a heel turn for one of the stars.
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Edited by Matthew Serocki
