Cody Rhodes has hinted that a heel turn could be coming in his WWE career, setting the stage for intense rivalries if he steps away from his heroic persona. Examining the possibilities, several top-tier WWE Superstars are primed to face The American Nightmare in dramatic Cody Rhodes possible heel turn feuds that may reshape storylines on RAW and across the company.
Kevin Owens: The Overlooked Ally Waiting for Revenge
Should Kevin Owens recover from his recent neck surgery, he emerges as a likely challenger for a heel Cody Rhodes. Last year at Bad Blood, Rhodes chose to partner with Roman Reigns, seemingly disregarding Owens’ feelings—a slight that many, including some fans, have not forgotten. Owens has suffered years of conflict and assaults from Reigns and The Bloodline, yet some dismissed his reactions as mere delusion. While Owens’ return may not come before year-end, WWE’s history suggests that a surprising feud with Rhodes could erupt if Cody turns before the end of 2025.
AJ Styles: Revisiting a Fierce Rivalry Rooted in Atlanta
The heated rivalry between Rhodes and AJ Styles, who previously vied for the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 40, stands ready for another chapter. Both men hail from Atlanta, Georgia, and could weave that local pride into their renewed fight. WWE often refreshes matchups by shifting wrestlers from face to heel, and a feud between these two would be compelling enough to stand on its own, even without championship stakes, given their proven in-ring chemistry and star power.
Drew McIntyre: Addressing Old Hypocrisies and New Tensions
Drew McIntyre’s recent title run saw him and Cody Rhodes cross paths repeatedly, though McIntyre often opted for a supportive role rather than open hostility. McIntyre has criticized some of Rhodes’ actions—particularly his treatment of Owens—for being hypocritical. Despite McIntyre’s intense in-ring style, he has yet to turn on the WWE Universe. The dynamic between a heel Rhodes and a principled McIntyre would likely spark a heated feud, exploring themes of loyalty and betrayal both in front of and behind the microphone.
CM Punk: Brewing Confrontation Reaches a Boiling Point
The tension between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes has been building since Punk’s WWE return, with both superstars teasing future conflict during recent SmackDown appearances. While their interactions have often focused on the Undisputed WWE Title, shifting dynamics could see The American Nightmare’s frustrations manifest in a direct attack on The Straight Edge Star. This feud boasts the potential for electrifying verbal battles and dramatic alignments, including the possibility of Rhodes siding with The Rock to counter Punk’s pointed criticisms of The Final Boss.
Sami Zayn: Allies Torn Apart by Ambition
In his journey to championship glory, Rhodes has formed a close alliance with Sami Zayn, who has often played the role of steadfast friend and supporter. Despite their shared commitment to doing things the ‘right way’, Zayn’s underdog status has not translated into the same level of success as Rhodes. A heel turn by Rhodes would offer a compelling shake-up, positioning the two as natural rivals. The fallout could see their opposing visions for WWE’s future come into direct conflict, delivering high stakes and emotional resonance, especially if Zayn remains the relentless hero in pursuit of gold.
Jey Uso: Friendship and History Tested in a New Era
Jey Uso’s story has been closely intertwined with Cody Rhodes’, including a tag team championship run and mutual support as Jey transitioned to RAW. In 2024, Jey reached the pinnacle by capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, a milestone Rhodes helped make possible. If Rhodes were to turn heel, he might claim responsibility for Jey’s success, leveraging this shared history as ammunition for their feud. The two have already battled, with Rhodes besting Jey to advance to the finals of the recent King of the Ring tournament. Long-time fans remain invested in both performers, and WWE’s tradition of splitting strong alliances could produce another classic rivalry between them.
Randy Orton: Long-Awaited Showdown on the Biggest Stage
Randy Orton, known as The Viper, has made a career out of shocking the WWE Universe with his calculated aggression. This year, Cody Rhodes will stand across from Orton for the first time in a decade at the King of the Ring finals. While Orton is often expected to play the relentless apex predator, a twist in which Rhodes embraces the dark side would be a seismic shift. With their intertwined past and looming retirement for Orton, a feud between these two could deliver an emotionally charged sendoff, showcasing betrayal and legacy at their most dramatic.
If Cody Rhodes goes through with his heel turn, WWE fans could witness some of the most passionate and personal feuds in recent memory. Each of these six superstars—ranging from long-standing friends and respected rivals to legendary opponents—offer unique narrative possibilities set to ignite RAW and the broader WWE landscape with Cody Rhodes possible heel turn feuds.
