Cody Rhodes held onto his Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza last Saturday, capping off their intense summer-long rivalry. As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter, many are focused on who the Cody Rhodes next challenger could be, particularly with SmackDown’s upcoming episode set to address the fallout from the recent Indianapolis event.
Although Rhodes is scheduled to face Seth Rollins at the Crown Jewel: Perth event for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship, speculation grows about who might confront him for the Undisputed WWE Title on SmackDown tonight. Several top WWE Superstars are prime candidates to step into the ring as his next opponent, heightening anticipation among the WWE Universe.
Potential Contender: Brock Lesnar’s Return
Brock Lesnar resurfaced on SmackDown after the Clash in Paris, extending his aggressive storyline against John Cena. Their conflict escalated during a WWE United States Championship match between Cena and Sami Zayn, which ended in a no-contest when Lesnar attacked both competitors. Lesnar’s presence has stirred the roster and fans alike, intensifying speculation about his future challenges.
At Wrestlepalooza, Lesnar handed Cena a significant loss, reinforcing his status as a dominant force. However, a possible confrontation between Lesnar and Cody Rhodes could unfold on SmackDown. Rhodes defeated Lesnar at SummerSlam 2023 before Lesnar’s brief hiatus, a moment that seemed symbolic of a passing of the torch. Now, Lesnar may seek to reclaim victory, this time with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line, promising a high-stakes encounter for viewers.
Randy Orton’s Lingering Ambitions
Randy Orton remains a notable contender who may challenge Cody Rhodes soon. Orton suffered a loss to Rhodes in the 2025 King of the Ring Tournament final at Night of Champions, a defeat that might fuel his desire for redemption. Beyond personal rivalry, Orton continues to pursue becoming a 15-time world champion, an achievement that keeps him in the title hunt.
Despite this, Orton’s immediate focus might be elsewhere. He is engaged in a heated feud with Drew McIntyre, who recently defeated him and received an attack after the match before Cody’s intervention. With McIntyre’s rivalry against Rhodes appearing to have reached its conclusion after Wrestlepalooza, Orton may shift his attention back to McIntyre for the time being, potentially postponing a challenge for Rhodes’ title.
Solo Sikoa’s Quest to Regain Momentum
Solo Sikoa stands out as another possible challenger eager to reclaim prominence. Having a complex history with Cody Rhodes, Sikoa lost to him last year at SummerSlam in a Bloodline Rules Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This defeat might motivate Sikoa to seek a rematch against The American Nightmare for the title.
Following the recent loss of the United States Championship to Sami Zayn on SmackDown’s go-home show before Clash in Paris, Sikoa is in search of a new path toward regaining momentum within the blue brand. Challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship could be the next logical step in his pursuit of world championship gold.
“The Viper is currently feuding with Drew McIntyre.”
?Bethel Benjamin, WWE Writer
“The American Nightmare defeated Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2023 before the latter took a hiatus.”
?Bethel Benjamin, WWE Writer
What Lies Ahead for the Undisputed WWE Championship
With Wrestlepalooza behind them and Crown Jewel on the horizon, the plot surrounding Cody Rhodes’ reign remains intensely dynamic and uncertain. The potential challengers of Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Solo Sikoa offer varied storylines that could dominate SmackDown’s weekly broadcasts and upcoming pay-per-view events.
The buildup to a new challenger has significant implications not just for the title but for each superstar’s legacy and future within WWE. Their rivalries intertwine personal grudges, championship ambitions, and the ongoing quest for dominance on the company’s biggest stage. As the blue brand progresses, the identity of Cody Rhodes next challenger will undoubtedly shape the direction of the Undisputed WWE Championship scene in the weeks to come.
