Cody Rhodes may soon face a high-profile feud in the 2026 Royal Rumble, as WWE insiders and analysts discuss possible challengers for his Undisputed WWE Championship. Recent discussions hint at the potential of four-time champion Gunther emerging as Rhodes’ major rival, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that could reshape the landscape of WWE.
Speculation Grows Around Gunther’s Royal Rumble Prospects
According to WWE analyst Sam Roberts, momentum is building behind Gunther, a four-time champion with an impressive record across the World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and NXT UK divisions. On his Notsam Wrestling podcast, Roberts explored the possibility of Gunther winning the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match, positioning him as a dominant force and the next significant challenger to Cody Rhodes.
Roberts’ vision involves a storyline where Drew McIntyre defeats Rhodes for the championship. Subsequently, The Scottish Psychopath would lose the title to The Ring General, Gunther, at WrestleMania 42, intensifying both the competition and anticipation for WWE fans eager to see new rivalries emerge.
“I think Gunther is being built as a monster that is the future of WWE and is the guy that’s gonna be there to help build up young talent and turn young talent into larger-than-life superstars. And I think one way you get there is that Gunther becomes Cody Rhodes’ big rival (…) What if Drew McIntyre took to WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes and then Gunther beat Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania?”
Roberts said. – Sam Roberts, Analyst
Roberts further noted his hope to see Rhodes pursue Gunther in a bid to reclaim his title, emphasizing the strong appeal of Rhodes as a babyface, rather than turning heel. This anticipated chase could add depth and intrigue to Rhodes’ storyline, providing an opportunity for Gunther to establish himself at the top of WWE and for Rhodes to showcase his resilience as a fan favorite.
Debate Over Cody Rhodes’ Potential Heel Turn Intensifies
As speculation about future rivalries heats up, WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff voiced his expectations surrounding Cody Rhodes’ character development on the 83 Weeks podcast. Bischoff suggested that a heel turn for Rhodes is an expected progression; however, he cautioned that the timing and storytelling behind such a shift should be carefully considered to maximize its impact.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to be surprised if and when that happens because that’s the natural evolution of a character and the length of time before something significant happens to hit the refresh button (…) I really like a slow build. I want somebody to get me really sucked into the story before that happens (…) and I think it’s time for Cody,”
Bischoff said. – Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
Recently, fans witnessed Rhodes exhibit heel-like behavior during a confrontation with Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, particularly when he struck Nick Aldis. While such actions fuel the conversation, many argue that Rhodes’ strength as a babyface continues to resonate with audiences, presenting WWE with a delicate balancing act as his storyline unfolds.
What May Lie Ahead for the Royal Rumble and WWE
With Gunther’s name circulating as the top candidate for the 2026 Royal Rumble and the future of Cody Rhodes in question, the WWE universe is bracing for potential shifts in its main event scene. If the teased feud between Gunther and Rhodes materializes, the coming months could see fresh storytelling approaches that spotlight both men’s strengths, impacting the course of major events like WrestleMania 42 and beyond. As the WWE championship picture evolves, fans can expect new rivalries, character developments, and moments that will define the next era of professional wrestling.
