Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, showcasing his resilience in a tough match. Following this victory, Rhodes is set to face Seth Rollins for the Crown Jewel Championship, but attention is already shifting toward who might become Cody Rhodes next challenger once that event concludes.
With many of WWE’s top stars having already competed against Rhodes, creative teams are reportedly searching for fresh contenders to maintain audience interest. Among the names being considered, former WWE employee Vince Russo has suggested that Jey Uso may emerge as Rhodes’ forthcoming opponent.
Vince Russo Predicts a Heel Turn for Jey Uso
On the BroDown podcast hosted by Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, Russo claimed that WWE will turn Jey Uso heel, marking a sharp character shift to set him up as Cody’s next adversary. Russo expressed frustration with this potential decision, arguing that it contradicts prior efforts to build Jey Uso as a leading babyface star. According to Russo, the move is driven primarily by a lack of credible challengers for Rhodes.
“Well, they’re turning Jay heel to wrestle [Cody]. That’s your answer right there. They’re going to turn, they’re literally turning Jey heel after everything they’ve done with him, Mac, because they don’t have an opponent for Cody. That’s why they’re doing it. So, they’re going to undo everything they did because their champion has no opponents.” Russo said.
Signs of Jey Uso’s Transition to a Heel Persona
Observations in recent weeks support the theory of Jey Uso’s impending heel turn, as he has begun displaying more aggressive behavior. An unprovoked spear on LA Knight and frequent backstage disputes with his brother Jimmy Uso signal discomfort with his babyface image. Jey’s demeanor increasingly resembles the confident and commanding presence Roman Reigns exhibited during his own run as Undisputed WWE Champion.
This development could set up a compelling storyline in which Jey attempts to claim the title Rhodes famously won from Reigns, potentially bringing the championship back into the family’s control. Such a narrative would carry significant weight within WWE’s current hierarchy and storytelling structure.
What This Could Mean for WWE’s Championship Scene
If Jey Uso embraces a heel role and challenges Cody Rhodes, it may refresh the competitive dynamic around the Undisputed WWE Championship amid a scarcity of new contenders. The move might also allow WWE to capitalize on tribal legacy and personal rivalries, heightening interest ahead of upcoming shows. However, the decision to reverse Jey’s babyface status so abruptly has sparked debate about creative consistency and long-term planning for the star’s trajectory.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as WWE approaches Crown Jewel and beyond, eager to see how Rhodes’ reign will evolve and who ultimately steps up as a legitimate challenger to the championship.
