WWE analyst Sam Roberts recently proposed a compelling scenario where Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton could both turn heel, with significant influence from John Cena. This speculation comes amidst Rhodes’ victory over Orton in the King of the Ring tournament finals, setting up Rhodes to challenge Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2025. The Cody Rhodes heel turn prediction has sparked interest among fans anticipating a major storyline shift.
Key Matches and Rivalries Leading into SummerSlam 2025
Rhodes’ upcoming clash with John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship is only one highlight in a series of anticipated matches. On Saturday Night’s Main Event, Drew McIntyre is set to battle Randy Orton, a match forecasted to end in disqualification. Following this, a SummerSlam rematch is predicted where McIntyre will secure a victory by cheating. These events lay the groundwork for an intertwined series of feuds and betrayals, raising stakes for all involved wrestlers.
Interference and Betrayal at Clash in Paris Signal Heel Turns
According to Roberts, the storyline continues beyond SummerSlam with a pivotal match at Clash in Paris between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. During this match, Randy Orton—nicknamed The Viper—may intervene, initially to prevent McIntyre’s victory but ultimately delivering an RKO to Rhodes. This surprising action would confirm Orton’s turn to a villainous role, intensifying the rivalry within this group of top superstars.
“So, Cody beats John at SummerSlam. Drew and Randy have a disqualification at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Drew cheats; he beats Randy at SummerSlam. Cody versus Drew goes to Clash in Paris. Randy gets involved. Drew gets pissed, but Randy wants Cody to be the champion so that Randy can take it from him. Even though Drew is pissed, he moves on to John Cena. Randy is now a heel because he got involved and RKO’d Cody Rhodes, but Randy is right as a heel,” he said.
—Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
Long-Term Story Arcs: Feuds and Heel Turns Toward WrestleMania 42
Roberts outlined how these feuds could evolve across several months. After SummerSlam, a fresh rivalry between Rhodes and Orton is expected, alongside a heated saga between John Cena and Drew McIntyre. This could culminate in a Drew versus Cody match at Survivor Series, extending through the winter months. The rivalry is positioned to reveal hidden motivations and betrayals, leading to Rhodes’ eventual heel turn at WrestleMania 42.
“We’re now into September—September, October, November-ish. You’re doing Cody and Randy. You’re doing Cena and Drew. And then, by the time you get over Survivor Series, you’ve now ended up with Drew versus Cody. December, January, February, it’s Drew and Cody. Drew is gonna do the work for you that leads to the truth coming out about Cody. That story is gonna be done, we go to WrestleMania with Cody as champion, and that’s where we finally get the Cody heel turn that Drew can tell you he was trying to explain to you the whole time,” he added.
—Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
Cody Rhodes’ New Identity After King of the Ring Victory
Following his win against Randy Orton in the King of the Ring finals, Cody Rhodes embraced a new persona, blending his established wrestling identity as The American Nightmare with his latest success. He announced this transformation on social media, signaling his evolving role in WWE’s storytelling. This new nickname may be a precursor to the character shifts anticipated in coming months, including the potential heel turn.
Creative Direction Under Triple H Could Shape Rhodes’ Future
The Triple H-led creative team is believed to be steering these complex storylines, possibly setting the stage for Rhodes’ heel turn and fresh rivalries involving top stars like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre. The unfolding narrative is expected to deepen character development and increase viewer engagement heading toward major WWE events such as Survivor Series and WrestleMania 42.
Significance and Anticipated Impact of the Heel Turn
If Cody Rhodes does turn heel as predicted, this shift will significantly alter WWE’s main event landscape. His transformation would add complexity to his character, fuel high-profile feuds, and reshape alliances within the company. The involvement of wrestling veterans such as John Cena and Randy Orton adds weight to the storyline, promising intense matches and dramatic twists that could dominate WWE programming throughout 2025.
