Cody Rhodes has ignited a fresh rivalry on WWE SmackDown following his recent title defense. At Wrestlepalooza last week in Australia, Rhodes successfully retained the WWE Championship by defeating Drew McIntyre, but this victory also paved the way for a high-profile feud with Seth Rollins ahead of the Crown Jewel event. This ongoing feud is now heating up as Rhodes confronts new challenges on the show.
On SmackDown, Rhodes’ segment was interrupted by Paul Heyman, sparking tension related to Heyman’s notorious history of switching allegiances among his clients, most notably his recent reunion with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza. When Bron Breakker stepped forward to support Heyman, Rhodes directly confronted him, questioning loyalties in the WWE landscape.
“Who is Paul Heyman loyal to? But one thing I guarantee, it ain’t you.” – Cody Rhodes
This confrontation marked the launch of a fresh dispute between Rhodes and Bron Breakker. The rivalry intensified when Breakker teamed up with Bronson Reed to ambush Rhodes, but Rhodes unexpectedly received assistance from WWE legend Randy Orton, adding stakes and intrigue to the unfolding storyline.
Emerging Threat: Bron Breakker’s Rapid Rise in WWE
Bron Breakker’s momentum continues to build as he positions himself as one of WWE’s most formidable competitors. A former Intercontinental Champion, Breakker is considered a major force on the rise, with plans in motion for a significant push in the promotion. This means Cody Rhodes now faces a highly motivated adversary who could challenge his championship reign in the near future.
With Breakker’s aggressive style and growing fan acclaim, the WWE landscape is shifting, creating a complex environment for Rhodes and other established stars. The unexpected alliance between Rhodes and Randy Orton emphasizes just how crucial every match and alliance has become.
Cody Rhodes Acknowledges Bron Breakker as WWE’s Next Major Star
In a recent appearance on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike podcast, Cody Rhodes openly praised Bron Breakker, recognizing him as the future face of WWE. Rhodes emphasized Breakker’s impressive talent and projected potential to headline major events, including WrestleMania and WWE Championship matches.
“I love Bron Breakker, and he’s not gonna like me saying this. But I’m glad you talked to him, because Bron Breakker is—I didn’t think this at first, and I don’t mean this with any disrespect, I do think it now though—he’s the future of WWE. He’s definitely someone that we’re positioning to be there as we go. And I mean, main event of WrestleMania, potentially the big, big stuff, win the WWE Title, all these things. But watching him be interviewed is fun because it’s a little new to him. Seeing this guy who barks and spears people at 3 million miles an hour just kind of lock in and, ‘Oh, we’re WWE… signing with ESPN.’ It’s making my day because I already know this guy’s probably gonna beat me at some point down the road, but at least I’m going to enjoy this period of time where he’s just, ‘… Hi.’ He’s amazing. If you come and see him, you’ll be very blown away with what Bron can do. But I’m enjoying this period of time. It’s like a franchise quarterback. This is like rookie year.” – Cody Rhodes
Rhodes’ remarks reveal his respect for Breakker’s capabilities and hint at the intense competition both wrestlers will face as they prepare for upcoming high-stakes matches. This acknowledgment highlights the importance of Breakker’s emergence and how it intensifies the rivalry on SmackDown.
Implications for WWE’s Future Storylines
The new rivalry involving Cody Rhodes, Bron Breakker, and unexpected factors like Randy Orton’s intervention suggests a dynamic shift in WWE SmackDown’s narrative. Rhodes’ ongoing feud with Seth Rollins remains a key storyline, but the addition of Breakker as a major contender adds layers of complexity and excitement for fans. This evolving drama signals fresh rivalries that will shape the path toward major events like Crown Jewel and WrestleMania.
As Breakker receives a significant push, WWE is clearly preparing for a transition where younger talents like him will take center stage, challenging veterans and changing the face of the promotion. Rhodes’ position as WWE Champion puts him at the heart of this transition, making his next moves and decisions critical to the company’s direction.
"Who is Paul Heyman loyal to? But one thing I guarantee, it ain't you." – Cody Rhodes
CODY GASLIGHTING BRON BREAKKER 👀#SmackDown
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) September 27, 2025
