Cody Rhodes is set to enter the WWE King of the Ring tournament, facing Damian Priest, Andrade, and Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown as he chases his first chance at glory and a possible title shot at SummerSlam against John Cena. However, swirling rumors suggest that Cody Rhodes may experience potential betrayal and King of the Ring loss due to the actions of a trusted ally, placing his championship aspirations in immediate danger.
High Stakes as King of the Ring Tournament Unfolds
The tournament is already heating up, with Sami Zayn securing a spot in the semi-finals. WWE fans and insiders are speculating about a dramatic showdown, with Zayn and Cody Rhodes possibly meeting as finalists during the WWE Night of Champions scheduled for June 28, 2025. Despite his momentum, Rhodes faces uncertainty, as discussions suggest that a storyline twist involving betrayal could disrupt his path to victory at the Premium Live Event.
Jey Uso’s Recent Loss Heightens Tensions
Jey Uso, known to fans as the Yeet Master, suffered a stunning defeat when he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to his fierce rival, Gunther, on a recent episode of RAW. This unexpected loss, brought on by Gunther’s submission hold, has left the WWE universe shocked and Jey visibly devastated. The day before his title loss, Jey partnered with Cody Rhodes to claim victory over John Cena and Logan Paul at WWE Money in the Bank, but the intense match left Jey fatigued ahead of his crucial championship bout.
Sources indicate Jey may blame Rhodes for his exhaustion and subsequent defeat, as Cody’s encouragement led Jey into an energy-draining non-title match right before battling Gunther for the championship. This growing resentment could set the stage for a dramatic confrontation at Night of Champions, with Jey potentially sabotaging Cody’s hopes of claiming the King of the Ring crown.
Plausible Betrayals and Future Clashes
The possibility of betrayal is not limited to Jey Uso alone. Observers speculate that this turmoil could drive a rift between Cody and Jey, potentially igniting a personal rivalry that carries over into SummerSlam. The situation is further complicated by the threat of a heel turn by Sami Zayn, who may side with Jey to undermine Cody at Night of Champions, marking a pivotal twist in WWE’s ongoing storylines.
Behind the Scenes: Insights on Jey Uso’s Defeat
Former WWE staff member Tommy Carlucci offered his perspective on why the company chose to have Gunther reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship, emphasizing Gunther’s skill as a belt-holder.
“You know what? I think I’d like to see Jey chase him now again. I mean, it’s another storyline that they rehashed over and over. But I think Gunther really carries the belt really well, and I think that’s why they made that change.”
—Tommy Carlucci, Ex-WWE Employee
After his loss, Jey Uso reached out to his fans and family, offering apologies and reflecting on the defeat. He also expressed his admiration for Gunther, acknowledging the Austrian athlete’s prowess in the ring and extending respect to his rival.
The Road Ahead: Will Alliances Fracture?
As the King of the Ring tournament advances, Cody Rhodes must remain wary of shifting allegiances and unresolved tensions that threaten his ambitions. With Jey Uso’s frustration mounting after losing his title and Sami Zayn’s potential as a wildcard, the action promises to intensify at WWE Night of Champions. The coming weeks will reveal whether Cody can overcome these looming threats or if betrayal from a trusted friend will shatter his pursuit of King of the Ring victory and a coveted match against John Cena at SummerSlam.
