Jey Uso taking a surprise win over Cody Rhodes in the WWE King of the Ring semi-finals could shake up the Cody Rhodes storyline in WWE King of the Ring, offering new directions for both superstars and adding layers to current WWE plots. As the two former partners and rivals prepare to clash, this matchup’s outcome could have major consequences for future championship scenes and character arcs.
The Stakes: Longtime Allies Now Face Off in the Tournament
Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes will share the ring as adversaries in the King of the Ring semi-finals, setting up a high-stakes match between two babyface stars. Their previous partnership as tag team champions and recent interactions, like Rhodes saving Uso from Seth Rollins’ attack on RAW, add emotional weight to the encounter. Both men have legitimate claims to a place in the finals at Night of Champions, making this bout one of the most talked-about events on the road to Saudi Arabia.
Why a Win Would Reignite Jey Uso’s Momentum
Jey Uso held the World Heavyweight Championship, but his reign did not generate the spark WWE may have hoped for, as most of his time with the title pushed forward the narratives of others such as Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes. After suffering a title loss to Gunther—an outcome rooted in getting involved with the wrong allies—Uso’s star power appeared to wane.
Recent RAW episodes saw a dip in viewership during his tenure as champion, intensifying the need for Main Event Jey to strike back with a signature victory. If Triple H selects Uso to defeat Rhodes and head to the finals, it would provide a much-needed boost, redeeming his standings among fans and helping rebuild his character’s momentum, especially with the King of the Ring spotlight shining on him.
How Cody Rhodes’ Current Storyline Affects the Tournament
Cody Rhodes’ journey has been marked by triumph and heartbreak, with his 378-day reign as Undisputed Champion ending at the hands of John Cena at WrestleMania 41. Cena’s turn to the dark side, along with The Rock aligning against The American Nightmare at the Elimination Chamber, added high drama to his ongoing arc. Following his loss, Rhodes made a dramatic return at Saturday Night’s Main Event, thwarting Cena’s plan to cost Jey Uso his title against Logan Paul, and later pinning Cena at Money in the Bank during a tag match that also involved Uso.
This run has kept Rhodes central in WWE’s biggest storyline threads, making it possible he could pursue a rematch with Cena for the Undisputed Championship without needing to win the King of the Ring. Allowing Uso to advance would open the possibility for Rhodes to bide his time for another title opportunity, particularly as Cena’s remaining appearances become scarcer and a title change becomes more likely.
Potential for Character Shifts and Storyline Twists
After his return, Rhodes referenced an offer from The Rock to become his champion, even though he has consistently turned it down. While his current status as a straightforward hero prevents him from accepting, a significant defeat at the hands of Uso could be the catalyst for emotional change. If Rhodes, despite his strong momentum from rescuing Uso and toppling Cena, loses in this pivotal match, the setback might launch a downward trajectory and set up a storyline where he eventually sides with The Rock, deepening the Cody Rhodes storyline in WWE King of the Ring.
Such a development would prepare the stage for a major character turn and create a scenario where, as Cena’s WWE career winds down, The Rock lines up a new champion—someone who, until that loss, fought for honor and friendship. This shift adds unpredictability to WWE’s roster of babyface and heel characters and ensures the audience remains invested in both Uso and Rhodes’ journeys.
What Victory for Uso Could Mean for WWE’s Future Events
A win for Uso at this stage not only breathes new life into his own character but also sets up fresh matchups for future pay-per-view main events. For Rhodes, defeat opens the door to a more nuanced storyline, potentially accelerating his transformation and paving the way for high-stakes confrontations with icons like John Cena and The Rock. WWE could leverage these developments to keep storylines evolving and their top stars relevant as the King of the Ring finals approach.
Both Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso remain central to WWE programming, surrounded by stars such as Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Sami Zayn, CM Punk, and Gunther, while broader story arcs involving The High Chief, Triple H, and The Rock hover over their fates. As anticipation builds toward Night of Champions, the outcome of this semi-final will likely steer the direction of RAW and championship narratives, keeping fans invested in every twist of the Cody Rhodes storyline in WWE King of the Ring.
