WWE Superstar John Cena currently holds the Undisputed Championship with unwavering control, demonstrated when he quickly thwarted Seth Rollins‘ attempt to cash in his Money in the Bank contract at Night of Champions by attacking the referee Rollins had brought. This move highlighted Cena’s strategic edge over one of WWE’s top tacticians. With Cena’s reign firmly intact, the question remains: who possesses the skill and storyline to dethrone the 17-time world champion? Cody Rhodes emerges as the prime contender to achieve this feat.
Cody Rhodes’ Journey to the Championship Spotlight
Cody Rhodes claimed the Undisputed Championship by ending Roman Reigns’ remarkable 1,316-day run at WrestleMania XL, a moment that concluded his lifelong pursuit of WWE’s top prize. The American Nightmare’s journey had been marked by back-to-back Royal Rumble wins that paved the way for his title victory. His dedication and fan support established him as a formidable force, especially after returning from AEW to make a definitive mark in WWE.
The Rising Tension Between Rhodes and Cena
During Cena’s retirement tour, Rhodes was a fan favorite, but Cena’s quest to secure another world title and tie Ric Flair’s record took center stage when he won the Elimination Chamber event. Rhodes acted sportsmanlike, congratulating Cena after the match, but their alliance quickly dissolved. Cena turned heel under The Rock’s direction after Rhodes refused to compromise his integrity with The Final Boss. Assisted by Travis Scott, Cena then became a 17-time WWE world champion, further intensifying their rivalry.
Cody Rhodes’ Renewed Ambitions and SummerSlam Showdown
After a brief hiatus, Rhodes returned transformed, gaining momentum by defeating close associates Jey Uso and Randy Orton to win the King of the Ring Tournament. Demonstrating resolve, Rhodes forced Cena to sign a contract for a title defense at SummerSlam after striking Cena’s face with the Undisputed Championship belt. This personal and layered feud positions Rhodes as the ideal figure to challenge Cena, blending both competitive spirit and compelling narrative.
Fan Support and Momentum for Cody Rhodes
On the Road to WrestleMania XL, The Rock’s attempt to mock Rhodes’ fanbase by branding them “Cody Crybabies” backfired, as his followers embraced the label, maintaining unwavering enthusiasm despite Rhodes’ repeated title defenses against familiar foes. This passionate fan backing underscores Rhodes’ legitimacy as a champion and sets him apart from other contenders like Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins, who, while credible, do not carry the same layered storyline or fan connection at this moment.
Potential High-Profile Opponents for Rhodes
Rhodes faces a future with numerous compelling challengers for the Undisputed Championship. Roman Reigns returned to form alongside Rhodes with a temporary truce for Bad Blood 2024, highlighted by their victory over Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa at the Atlanta Pay-Per-View and a promo at the Georgia Tech football stadium focused on Reigns’ quest to reclaim the title. The Rock remains a formidable adversary, having psychologically targeted Rhodes throughout the recent storyline and contributing to Rhodes’ loss of the championship to Cena.
Additionally, Randy Orton’s potential betrayal represents another dramatic twist. Having nearly delivered a punt kick to Rhodes in the King of the Ring finals, Orton’s resurgence of his darker “Legend Killer” persona threatens to disrupt Rhodes’ pursuits. Orton’s aim for a 15th WWE world title ensures that this rivalry will intensify, adding depth to Rhodes’ championship journey.
Looking Ahead: The Championship Battle at SummerSlam
The unfolding rivalry between John Cena and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam promises significant implications for WWE’s landscape. Rhodes’ intertwining history with Cena and his growing reputation among fans make him the most suitable candidate to dethrone the Franchise Player’s dominant reign. With multiple storylines and opponents ready to challenge him, Rhodes’ championship reign could herald a new era, and the outcomes of these pivotal matches will shape WWE’s future direction.
