Cody Rhodes continues his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, attracting attention from some of the biggest competitors in the company. As WWE builds anticipation for the coming year, potential Cody Rhodes 2026 WWE title matches against various high-profile opponents have been strongly hinted at, setting the stage for blockbuster showdowns in the months ahead.
Sami Zayn Hints at Ending His World Title Drought
On a recent edition of SmackDown, Sami Zayn made a notable return to the spotlight, reflecting on his storied career while recognizing the missing piece—a world championship. Zayn, now 40 years old, openly shared his determination to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship in 2026, indicating that ending his title drought has become a major goal.
WWE followed his declaration with a backstage encounter between Zayn and Cody Rhodes, during which their conversation revolved around the prestigious championship. Rhodes was visibly unimpressed by Sami’s challenge, but WWE’s decision to air the intense segment signaled plans for a highly anticipated title showdown between The American Nightmare and the Canadian competitor later this year. This potential clash would pit Cody’s championship resolve against Zayn’s drive to finally claim wrestling’s top prize.
Unresolved Conflict With Oba Femi Sets the Stage for a Rematch
Rhodes faced Oba Femi in a champion versus champion match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, but their bout ended abruptly due to Drew McIntyre’s interference, resulting in a disqualification. This unresolved outcome has left business unfinished between the two, and WWE has dropped clear hints that a rematch could be on the horizon.
As Oba Femi gains momentum with a prospective move to the main roster, and with WWE spotlighting his NXT Championship reign, anticipation grows for a renewed feud against Cody Rhodes in 2026. The lingering tension from their inconclusive encounter and Triple H’s decision to leave the match without a definitive finish strongly suggest that fans will see Femi and Rhodes face off again for the Undisputed WWE Championship as the year unfolds.
Old Allies, New Rivals: Randy Orton Enters the Title Picture
Randy Orton’s return to SmackDown at the start of 2026 quickly positioned him as a top contender for Cody Rhodes’ championship. WWE wasted no time establishing friction between the two former allies. In a backstage segment, Orton directly informed Rhodes of his intention to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship, solidifying his status as a threat to the champion’s reign.
Orton, known as The Apex Predator, delivered a pointed warning that while he and Cody may share mutual respect, his ambitions for championship gold are unwavering. WWE depicted this upcoming rivalry with clarity—eschewing subtle teases and instead emphasizing Orton’s outright challenge. With Drew McIntyre still engaged in his ongoing feud with Rhodes, Orton remains poised to step in as soon as that rivalry concludes, setting up a high-stakes confrontation between two of WWE’s most decorated competitors.
The Anticipated Third Showdown: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns
Perhaps the most highly anticipated match WWE teased for 2026 centers on the enduring rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Both superstars fought as teammates during last year’s Men’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series, but tensions quickly surfaced after the event with a brief confrontation inside the steel structure.
This face-off was not their first, as Reigns had previously made his intentions to challenge Rhodes clear on an episode of RAW. WWE has subtly and overtly laid the groundwork for a third title match between these two central figures, with the possibility that Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns III could headline WrestleMania 42. If realized, this would cement their trilogy and further shape the landscape of WWE’s main event scene.
As WWE continues to build Cody Rhodes’ championship narrative heading into 2026, these potential matchups against Sami Zayn, Oba Femi, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns underscore the significance of his reign and the immense challenges that await. Each teased rivalry brings its own complex history and unique excitement, promising a compelling year for the Undisputed WWE Championship and sparking curiosity about which superstar, if any, will dethrone The American Nightmare.
Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn run into each other after Sami said he’s coming for the WWE Championship#SmackDown
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 3, 2026
