At the Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia, Cody Rhodes triumphed over Randy Orton in the King of the Ring tournament finals, earning a shot at the Undisputed <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE Championship. This victory sets the stage for Rhodes to face John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, marking a pivotal moment in his career amid speculation about a possible heel turn faction.
Hints of a Heel Turn Surface During High-Stakes Match
Throughout the tournament final, subtle indicators suggested Rhodes might be shifting to a villainous role, a change he has not embraced since his Stardust character in 2016. At 40 years old, Rhodes appears poised to solidify his presence with a faction that could elevate his dominance within WWE, aligning with the industry’s tradition of impactful heel groups.
Potential Alliances: Paul Heyman and the Birth of a New Group
Rhodes and veteran manager Paul Heyman have publicly acknowledged mutual respect in recent interviews, with Heyman commending Rhodes’s professionalism and Rhodes expressing admiration for Heyman’s history of managing top talent. Their collaboration could become central to Rhodes’s heel faction as the two might officially unite at SummerSlam.
Following Rhodes’s anticipated victory over Cena, Seth Rollins may attempt to capitalize on his Money in the Bank contract. However, a twist could see Rollins betrayed by an ally nicknamed The Oracle, who instead aids Rhodes in defeating Rollins. This betrayal would signal the formation of a new alliance led by Rhodes and Heyman, potentially recruiting rising stars Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed into their ranks, sidelining Rollins in the process.
Recruiting Familiar Faces from NXT and AEW Connections
Another possible direction involves Rhodes enlisting NXT talents Ricky Starks and Shawn Spears, both recently seen celebrating Rhodes’s birthday. Their shared history from AEW and WWE’s current narrative may pave the way for their inclusion in a faction under Rhodes’s leadership. Such a group could mirror Seth Rollins’s existing stable but with distinct dynamics, serving as a modern incarnation of the Legacy faction by mentoring emerging wrestlers.
Complex Rivalry and Partnership Dynamics with Seth Rollins
Rhodes and Rollins share a history marked by intense matches as both allies and opponents. This layered relationship fuels speculation that Rhodes might join Rollins’s faction at SummerSlam, aligning under the Money in the Bank umbrella. Together, they could execute a plan for Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship with Rollins and his faction’s support.
Since Rollins holds the Men’s Money in the Bank briefcase, this partnership could trigger future disputes over leadership and control within the faction. As Rhodes’s influence grows with the championship, tensions may build, resulting in a rivalry that further shapes WWE’s landscape in the coming months.
