Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes successfully defended his title against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza this past weekend, continuing his reign after significant defenses against AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Solo Sikoa, and Logan Paul since defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. With McIntyre’s defeat leaving Rhodes without a fresh foe, speculation grows around who will become Cody Rhodes next challenger as he moves beyond his upcoming battle with Seth Rollins at Crowl Jewel.
A Surprising Contender Emerges in the Title Picture
After the conclusion of Rhodes’ program with Seth Rollins, WWE appears to be positioning Jey Uso, a former World Heavyweight Champion, as the next possible adversary for Cody. This development comes amid rumors sparked by Vince Russo, an ex-WWE employee, during his appearance on Legion of RAW on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge. Russo suggested that WWE’s recent moves hint at a potential heel turn for the 40-year-old Uso, setting him up as Rhodes’ forthcoming rival in a storyline that could shift dramatically.
Russo expressed frustration regarding WWE’s creative direction, noting that the promotion seems to be undoing Jey Uso’s previous portrayal as a popular babyface due to the lack of other viable challengers for Rhodes. He criticized WWE for insufficiently developing Rhodes’ opposition, which appears to have prompted the sudden reconsideration of Uso’s character alignment.
“The fans were booing Jay Uso when he speared LA Knight. And, you know, again, like I said, bro, the fact that they do not have an opponent for Cody, and is that the reason why? So, because you didn’t book properly and you didn’t have an opponent set up for Cody, all that time and energy you put into yeeting and the entrances and the little kids and the merch and out in the hallway, all that is going to be a race because we don’t have an opponent for Cody.” Russo said.
Jey Uso’s Increasing Hints Toward a Darker Role
Jey Uso’s recent in-ring conduct has intensified speculation about his shift towards a heel persona. His unexpected spear on LA Knight and escalating tensions with his brother Jimmy Uso provide tangible signs of an evolving character. These actions parallel the path once taken by Roman Reigns, the current Tribal Chief, whom Jey seems intent on emulating. Fans anticipate that Jey might soon formally claim the Tribal Chief title once Reigns returns to WWE programming.
This potential heel turn could significantly alter WWE’s narrative dynamics, injecting fresh conflict into the championship scene. Jey’s transition may also serve to reinvigorate audience engagement by complicating alliances within the Usos and their faction, offering rich storytelling possibilities against Cody Rhodes as his next challenger.
Implications for WWE’s Creative Direction and Future Storylines
The decision to elevate Jey Uso, especially amid criticism of WWE’s opponent-building strategy, highlights the challenges the company faces in maintaining compelling rivalries around Cody Rhodes’ championship. A heel turn by Jey would not only reshape his career trajectory but also test WWE’s capacity to sustain interest in Rhodes’ title defenses without undermining prior fan investments.
Given the intense fan reactions and the significance of the Usos within WWE programming, this move could have a substantial impact on the product’s narrative direction. The storyline possibilities with Jey Uso opposing Cody Rhodes could generate heightened anticipation as fans await how WWE will craft this feud.
As Cody Rhodes prepares for his next steps following Crowl Jewel, the emergence of Jey Uso as a challenger underscores an uncertain yet exciting phase for WWE’s championship scene. Fans will be watching closely to see whether this predicted shift materializes and how it influences Rhodes’ reign as Undisputed WWE Champion.
