Cody Rhodes has established himself as one of WWE’s premier babyfaces, holding the Undisputed WWE Championship for the past two years. Following his second WWE Championship victory at SummerSlam 2025, many are curious how long ‘The American Nightmare’ will retain the title during this latest reign after previously holding it for over a year.
With Rhodes continuing at the top, WWE is likely considering which superstar could eventually take over the championship and possibly inherit the role as the company’s leading babyface, especially if Rhodes turns heel in the future.
Drew McIntyre: A Strong Contender for the Title
Drew McIntyre has consistently been involved in the world title scene across WWE brands for the past five years. Recent reports suggest that McIntyre is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Wrestlepalooza 2025, scheduled for September 20 in Indianapolis.
This highly anticipated matchup could serve as a turning point, potentially leading to a new champion. McIntyre defeating Rhodes would not only crown a new titleholder but might also trigger character shifts, such as a heel turn for Rhodes, altering the company’s storyline dynamics significantly.
What’s Next for WWE After Rhodes’ Championship Run?
The choice of Cody Rhodes WWE Championship replacements will influence the direction WWE takes in 2025 and beyond. Rising stars like McIntyre are being positioned to assume greater responsibility in carrying the brand forward, keeping the company’s flagship title meaningful and engaging for fans.
As WWE progresses through major events like Wrestlepalooza and SummerSlam, the eventual successor to Rhodes will play a critical role in shaping WWE’s narrative landscape, setting the stage for fresh rivalries and new character developments.
