Cody Rhodes title challengers are emerging fast as the WWE calendar turns to 2026, with his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion drawing more rivals by the week. The American Nightmare has proven himself a worthy titleholder since finishing his story at WrestleMania XL, but several formidable WWE Superstars now stand poised to take his crown.
Drew McIntyre’s Relentless Pursuit of the Championship
Drew McIntyre, also known as the Scottish Warrior, has maintained a heated rivalry with Cody Rhodes for months, transforming their feud into much more than a battle for the championship alone. McIntyre has repeatedly targeted Cody on a personal level, taunting him by referencing the late Dusty Rhodes and destroying a cherished family photo that symbolized Cody’s bond with his father.
Now, McIntyre is poised for another shot, with a Three Stages of Hell match scheduled for the January 9 episode of SmackDown in Berlin. In this high-stakes contest, the two will first clash under traditional rules, then brawl in a Falls Count Anywhere match, and finally battle inside a steel cage if a third decision is needed. McIntyre’s willingness to cross any line, coupled with his manipulations—like nearly costing Rhodes the championship through a no-contact clause—marks him as perhaps Cody’s most immediate and dangerous opponent.
Jacob Fatu’s Unpredictable Threat
Jacob Fatu, the Samoan Werewolf, is the true wildcard among Cody Rhodes title challengers. Since arriving in WWE, Fatu has been positioned as a future adversary to Cody, with the company building anticipation through several tense tag team encounters in early 2025. The brewing conflict gained intrigue when Fatu was mysteriously attacked and sidelined in October 2025.
Speculation among fans suggests that Cody Rhodes, who has recently shown a more ruthless side, may have played a role in eliminating this challenge. Should Fatu come back seeking retribution, his powerful style and unpredictable athleticism would make him a credible contender to stop Cody’s run as champion.
Sami Zayn’s Inspiring Quest
Sami Zayn began 2026 by publicly announcing his determination to become World Champion. During an emotional segment on the first SmackDown of the year, Zayn touched on his journey, expressing gratitude for his mentors and citing inspiration from John Cena’s Farewell Tour, stating his intention to take action rather than simply talking about chasing the title.
Even though his address was interrupted by Trick Williams, Zayn’s resolve remains unshaken, with his focus fixed firmly on Cody Rhodes’ championship. Known for his deep connection with the WWE audience, Zayn has the charisma and fan support to push Cody to his limits, making a potential title match between these friends a highlight for upcoming major WWE events.
Randy Orton: The Mentor Becomes the Challenger
The longstanding relationship between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, known as The Viper, is steeped in WWE history. Originating from their time together in the Legacy faction, Orton’s role as mentor has evolved as he’s watched Cody become the face of WWE.
These two last met in the final of the King of the Ring Tournament, where Cody claimed victory after a grueling contest. However, Orton’s desire to once again claim the top prize has not waned. On January 2, 2026, Orton announced his intentions to Cody directly, setting the stage for a high-stakes mentor-versus-protégé showdown.
As Cody potentially embraces a more sinister persona and Orton’s unpredictable nature keeps opponents guessing, their story is set to provide one of the most compelling narratives for the Undisputed WWE Championship this year.
With compelling personal histories, evolving rivalries, and high-octane matches on the horizon, these four challengers have each made a strong case to be the next to dethrone Cody Rhodes. As momentum builds and storylines intertwine, WWE fans can expect unforgettable drama as Cody faces every contender desperate to make history of their own.
