With Drew McIntyre stepping away from WWE to focus on a major Hollywood project, the landscape shifts as Cody Rhodes requires a new adversary for upcoming storylines. The ongoing rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre is currently on hold but is expected to resume once McIntyre returns, creating an immediate need for a Drew McIntyre WWE replacement in the interim.
Randy Orton as a Leading Challenger for Cody Rhodes
Following a potential confrontation with Seth Rollins, Randy Orton emerges as a primary candidate to engage with Cody Rhodes in a fresh feud. Their storyline could evolve slowly, reflecting a long-term saga similar to the Bloodline, where a mix of rivalry and respect plays a central role.
Initially, Orton could appear as a friendly rival, setting the stage for future high-stakes clashes. He has openly stated that if Cody Rhodes regains the WWE Championship, he would challenge him in pursuit of his record-tying 15th world title reign. This pursuit would carry significant historical weight—not only reigniting the long-standing competition between Orton and Rhodes but also allowing Orton to surpass his current tie with Triple H, both holding 14 world championships, to claim the third highest number of WWE title reigns.
What This Shift Means for WWE Storylines
McIntyre’s hiatus creates an important opportunity for fresh matchups and new rivalries to develop around Cody Rhodes, a top-tier talent. Introducing Randy Orton as a Drew McIntyre WWE replacement not only maintains audience interest but also preserves the competitive stakes within WWE’s championship scene. Fans can anticipate a series of compelling encounters as Rhodes adapts to facing new opponents while awaiting McIntyre’s return.
