In the world of professional wrestling, holding the top championship draws constant threats from all sides. Cody Rhodes, as the current WWE Champion, knows this better than most, having faced betrayal from AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, John Cena, and now contending with Seth Rollins. With major events like Crown Jewel and WarGames approaching, tension is rising, making the possibility of a new betrayal — potentially costing Rhodes his title — more likely than ever.
As alliances shift and ambitions ignite, three friends in particular stand out as credible threats who could turn on Rhodes and go after the WWE Championship. Their stories reflect complex personal and professional motivations, making them prime contenders for an intense power struggle in the weeks to come.
Jey Uso’s Rising Ambition Could Lead to a Shocking Backstab
Jey Uso’s transformation has been apparent recently, as he grapples with life after holding the top spot. Once feared by his brother Jimmy as someone whose ego and ambition could overcome all obstacles, Jey is evolving into that very figure—one whose focus may now be dominated by personal gain rather than loyalty.
On the latest episode of RAW, Cody Rhodes attempted to reach out to Jey to mend fences and offer support at Jimmy’s request. Although Jey appeared to listen, his gaze suggested a fixation elsewhere: Rhodes’ coveted Undisputed WWE Championship belt. This subtle yet telling detail hinted at internal conflict and a growing desire to claim the title for himself, signaling a potential betrayal.
Jey’s current narrative paints him as a man heavy with frustration and failure, and his pride might soon push him toward turning heel. If he betrays Rhodes, it would not only serve as a character-defining moment but also create fertile ground for layered storytelling. His challenge could lead to a compelling run as a heel world champion, injecting fresh tension and drama into Rhodes’ reign.
CM Punk: A Rivalry That Could Eclipse Expectations
The potential feud between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk carries immense weight, possibly ranking as one of the most captivating rivalries in WWE history. Both share reputations as game-changers and disruptors over the past decade and a half, and their intense dynamic on-screen has always drawn strong attention, fueled by their commanding presence on the mic and in the ring.
The intrigue lies in their ability to switch roles—either could become the villain, adding unpredictable depth to their confrontations. Their exchanges to date, including their clashes around the Royal Rumble events, have showcased a raw and electric chemistry that WWE fans eagerly await to see fully developed on the grandest stages.
This rivalry could easily become a WrestleMania main event, with both men having made their marks both inside WWE and in other wrestling promotions. Unlike traditional major stars forged entirely within WWE, Rhodes and Punk bring smaller stature but greater innovation and unconventional styles, setting them apart as unique draws. Their path could redefine what a marquee WWE feud looks like in the modern era.
Randy Orton: The Apex Predator’s Inevitable Return to Ruthlessness
A confrontation between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes is widely anticipated and likely to involve the WWE Championship, despite Orton’s less explicit need for the title. The story is poised to center on betrayal, with Orton—the Apex Predator—turning on his former protege to claim his fifteenth world championship.
WWE appears to be carefully timing the escalation of this saga, which could emerge as one of the era’s most memorable wrestling storylines. Reports suggest that Rhodes and Drew McIntyre once pitched a scenario where Orton accidentally costs Rhodes his title at an event called Wrestlepalooza, sparking their slow-burning conflict.
However, Triple H has held back from dramatic shifts in the Rhodes-Orton narrative, possibly aiming to ensure Rhodes’ prominence leading into WWE’s ESPN debut or to preserve key matches like Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel. With Rhodes still showing no indication of a heel turn and enjoying strong fan support, Orton is likely to revert to his characteristic dark persona, listening to the “Voices” that have long shaped his career.
The tension between Orton’s legacy as a brutal competitor and Rhodes’ rising star status positions their rivalry as an essential chapter in WWE’s ongoing landscape. Fans can expect a nuanced story where trust, ambition, and betrayal collide on an epic scale.
As the WWE Universe watches closely, these three individuals—Jey Uso, CM Punk, and Randy Orton—stand out as the most probable candidates to betray Cody Rhodes and threaten his hold on the WWE Championship. Each brings distinct motivations and personal history that could fuel unforgettable conflicts, elevating the drama in WWE’s key upcoming events.
