Many fans are eagerly anticipating whether Cody Rhodes will reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship at this weekend’s historic two-night SummerSlam event. Rhodes is slated to face John Cena in the main event on Sunday in a highly significant match that aims to redeem their previous encounter at WrestleMania 41.
Their last match, headlining WrestleMania, failed to deliver due to a combination of factors including Cena’s heel tactics, a lukewarm crowd reaction toward Rhodes, and an ill-timed interference by Travis Scott. This disappointing finish cast a shadow over Rhodes’ initial title reign and raised concerns about how his next time as champion should be managed.
Avoiding Missteps in Cody Rhodes’ Potential Title Reign
If Rhodes secures the Undisputed WWE Title once again, WWE leadership under Triple H must carefully avoid past errors to ensure quality storytelling throughout his reign. Unlike mid-card titles that often emphasize workrate and grooming emerging talent, the primary world championships focus heavily on drawing fans to live events and increasing viewership across television and streaming platforms.
Successful championship runs require strong feuds that maintain interest, rather than a series of disconnected matches. During Rhodes’ previous tenure as the Undisputed WWE Champion, bouts like his encounter with Logan Paul were viewed by many as mere filler, lacking any compelling narrative or follow-up. Minimizing such one-off matches will be necessary to preserve momentum this time around.
Fan Engagement and Character Direction for Rhodes
Since his return in 2022, Cody Rhodes has been one of WWE’s most beloved performers, with a passionate fanbase and strong merchandise sales. However, his popularity has seen fluctuations; on several occasions this year, including matches against John Cena at WrestleMania and Randy Orton at Night of Champions, some fans became disengaged or critical.
To maintain long-term interest, WWE should consider eventually turning Rhodes’s character in a new direction during his world championship run. This shift need not be immediate but is necessary to add layers to his persona and keep audiences invested over time.
The Pitfalls of Overusing John Cena and Repeating Rivalries
John Cena is a cornerstone of WWE history as a record-breaking 17-time world champion and a major celebrity in Hollywood. Having dethroned Rhodes at WrestleMania, Cena will meet him again at SummerSlam, generating significant attention. However, despite the success of their past encounters, an immediate third match between the two could risk overexposure.
Triple H must resist the temptation to extend this rivalry right away, since repeated matchups between Rhodes and Cena have previously led to fan fatigue and lessened enthusiasm. A fresh opponent or new storyline could better serve Cody’s next title chapter by preventing stagnation early in his reign.
Steering Clear of Rehashing Past Feuds Like Solo Sikoa
Another potential misstep would be reviving Rhodes’s rivalry with Solo Sikoa, the current WWE United States Champion and leader of The MFT faction. Rhodes and Sikoa engaged in a notable feud last year, highlighted by their steel cage match at SummerSlam and involving members like Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa.
Although that storyline delivered memorable moments, returning to this feud now would likely feel repetitive and uninspired. WWE should avoid recycling this particular rivalry to maintain fresh narratives and retain fan engagement throughout Rhodes’s possible title reign.
How WWE’s Choices Will Define Rhodes’ Next Championship Run
The Undisputed WWE Championship is more than just a title; it serves as a beacon that draws viewers and fans alike. If Cody Rhodes wins the championship at SummerSlam, the company faces significant decisions that will shape the trajectory of his reign.
With careful booking that emphasizes meaningful feuds, character development, and avoiding stale rivalries, WWE can maximize Rhodes’ potential as a world champion. Conversely, missteps such as predictable matchups, filler bouts, and reluctance to evolve his character could diminish fan interest and lessen the impact of his reign.
As the company moves forward, the choices made after SummerSlam will be crucial to ensuring that the Undisputed WWE Title retains its prestige and continues to excite audiences worldwide.
