Speculation around a Cody Rhodes possible heel turn WWE storyline has intensified as Rhodes prepares to face Randy Orton in the King of the Ring finals at Night of Champions, a high-profile WWE event. Veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter has ignited discussions about a potential character shift, suggesting the moment might be right for Rhodes, one of the company’s most celebrated babyfaces, to stun fans with a dramatic change in direction.
Cody Rhodes’ Image and the Growing Speculation
Cody Rhodes has maintained a steadfast reputation as a virtuous competitor since his return to WWE in 2022, consistently aligning himself with the values of a classic babyface. His clean-cut persona and successful run have made him a fan favorite, but the unwavering image has led many within the wrestling community to question whether Rhodes might soon embrace a darker, more antagonistic role. Anticipation has only grown as he prepares for Night of Champions, where his showdown with his former mentor and close friend Randy Orton is set to headline the event’s King of the Ring tournament finals.
Bill Apter Weighs In: Is Now the Time for a Heel Turn?
During a recent appearance on the UnSKripted podcast with Dr. Chris Featherstone, Bill Apter reflected on Rhodes’ current trajectory and discussed the likelihood of a major heel turn. Apter revisited a comment Rhodes made at a fan convention, where the wrestler suggested the possibility of his babyface era drawing to a close. This, combined with the magnitude of his upcoming match, has convinced Apter that Night of Champions presents an ideal opportunity for Rhodes to reveal a more ruthless side.
“Cody is taking on Randy Orton, one of his best friends, at Night of Champions. By hook or by crook, Cody is going to win. He’s going to become the king, he’s going to become snobby, and maybe become that second part of a heel run. He said somewhere, I read on the internet, he said at some convention, that he thinks his babyface run may be coming to an end. I think this would be a great time to do that.”
—Bill Apter, Veteran Wrestling Journalist
What Fans Might Expect at Night of Champions
As Rhodes and Orton prepare to collide, the stakes could not be higher. The emotional weight of the match—a battle between longtime friends and former allies—adds to the intrigue, especially amid talk of betrayal and drastic change. With the finals potentially serving as the stage for an unexpected twist, many are watching closely to see if Rhodes will finally tap into more aggressive tactics to secure victory and the King of the Ring title.
A heel turn for Cody Rhodes at such a pivotal event would send shockwaves through the WWE landscape, reshaping the dynamics among superstars, influencing storylines, and presenting new rivalries. As Night of Champions draws near, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to witness whether Rhodes remains the hero or becomes the shocking villain in one of wrestling’s most anticipated showdowns.
