Cody Rhodes recently reclaimed the WWE Championship by defeating John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, avenging his loss from their WrestleMania 41 encounter. As Rhodes embarks on this second run as champion, AI analyses point toward a reign that begins quietly, with some predictable yet underwhelming title defenses before matters escalate later in his tenure. The focus keyword Cody Rhodes WWE Championship Predictions captures this outlook on his upcoming matches and potential story arcs.
AI forecasts Rhodes’ first challenger to be Finn Balor, who will cross over with his Judgment Day faction from Monday Night RAW to Friday Night SmackDown. Their title clash is slated for WWE Clash in Paris 2025. AI highlights the European setting as a key factor, noting that
“a European challenger on European soil will be a noteworthy challenge for Rhodes.”
Despite the geographic advantage, Balor is not expected to threaten Rhodes’ hold on the title significantly, although the contest may offer solid in-ring action.
The next significant confrontation involves Solo Sikoa, venturing into renewal of their prior uneasy rivalry despite its cool reception in 2024. AI predicts a Last Man Standing match between Rhodes and Sikoa at Crown Jewel 2025, with Rhodes effectively defending his championship and denying Sikoa a reign that many fans hope to avoid.
Adding an unusual twist, AI anticipates a brand supremacy storyline at Survivor Series 2025, featuring Rhodes versus the World Heavyweight Champion Carmelo Hayes, who is expected to receive a major push on Monday Night RAW. Before Survivor Series, Hayes, AI predicts, will shock the wrestling world by capturing the world title in an upset. The clash between Rhodes and Hayes, champion versus champion, is expected to underline Survivor Series, with Rhodes retaining the WWE Championship.
Predicted Cody Rhodes 2025 Premier Live Event Matches:
WWE Clash in Paris 2025 – Cody Rhodes vs. Finn Balor
WWE Crown Jewel 2025 – Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
WWE Survivor Series 2025 – Cody Rhodes vs. Carmelo Hayes
Tough Road to WrestleMania 42 Includes a Royal Rumble Spotlight for Bron Breakker
As Rhodes’ championship reign progresses toward the grand stage of WrestleMania 42, AI predicts a series of challenging bouts. His title defense at Royal Rumble 2026 will be a hard-fought match against Gunther, with Rhodes emerging victorious.
Following Royal Rumble, Rhodes faces a daunting Elimination Chamber match defending against Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, Gunther, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles, showcasing a star-studded lineup. AI foresees Rhodes surviving this intense challenge to maintain his title.
The climax of this arc leads to WrestleMania 42, where Rhodes confronts Bron Breakker, the surprise winner of the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble. AI’s prediction for Breakker’s victory in that battle represents a bold shaping of Breakker as a breakout star, positioned for a major push. However, Rhodes is expected to overcome the young powerhouse, solidifying his underdog babyface status and retaining the WWE Championship on the biggest stage.
Predicted Cody Rhodes Road to WrestleMania Matches:
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 – Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther
WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 – Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight vs. Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre
WWE WrestleMania 42 – Cody Rhodes vs. Bron Breakker
Potential WWE Debut of MJF Expected to Conclude Rhodes’ Title Run at SummerSlam 2026
Looking beyond WrestleMania 42, AI predicts a dramatic shift in the WWE Championship landscape when MJF makes his debut on RAW immediately after the event, challenging Rhodes directly. Notably, this prediction envisions MJF still under an AEW contract, adding a layer of surprise and intrigue. MJF’s WWE arrival is described as an immediate attempt to dethrone his former mentor, Rhodes, though initial title opportunities will be delayed.
During this period, Drew McIntyre will be Rhodes’ challenger at Backlash and Clash in Paris 2026, with Rhodes retaining in both matches. The ongoing feud with MJF is set to build momentum across these months.
The predicted climax arrives at SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the U.S. Bank Stadium. AI envisions MJF capturing the WWE Championship by resorting to underhanded tactics, including a low blow and brass knuckles. This marks the end of Rhodes’ approximately one-year reign with the title.
This forecast is one of the most controversial, given MJF’s status in 2025–2026 and the general skepticism about him becoming WWE’s face so quickly. Nevertheless, AI reinforces that unpredictability is a hallmark of professional wrestling’s storytelling.
Predicted Cody Rhodes 2026 Premier Live Event Matches:
WWE Backlash 2026 – Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
WWE Clash in Paris 2026 – Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
WWE SummerSlam 2026 – Cody Rhodes vs. MJF
Significance of These Predictions for WWE’s Future Storylines
The AI-generated Cody Rhodes WWE Championship predictions suggest a reign with a slow build, involving predictable but methodical defenses before culminating in a controversial title loss. This pattern could maintain steady viewer interest through a mixture of seasoned challengers and emerging stars, particularly Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes, while setting up fresh rivalries like the one with MJF.
Rhodes’ battles with top names such as Finn Balor, Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre, and others reinforce his role as the central figure of WWE‘s championship scene throughout 2025 and 2026. The potential debut of MJF and his shock victory at SummerSlam 2026 could mark a new chapter, possibly reshaping WWE’s creative direction toward unexpected talent elevation.
If these predictions align with actual booking, fans can expect a mix of steady title matches, star-making moments, and explosive storyline finales that keep WWE programming compelling into 2026. The projection underlines how storytelling, in-ring competition, and character development converge to define championship runs in the modern wrestling era.
