Cody Rhodes remains the WWE Champion after his victory over Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza 2025. With an upcoming champion versus champion clash against Seth Rollins for the Crown Jewel Championship on the horizon, several contenders from WWE’s roster are preparing to challenge Rhodes for the WWE Title in the coming months.
Various former champions, long-time rivals, and rising stars across WWE brands like SmackDown and beyond are positioning themselves to take a shot at Rhodes’ coveted title. These challengers each bring unique backgrounds and histories with Rhodes that could set the stage for intense rivalries.
The Brewing Rivalry Between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes
The prospect of Randy Orton challenging Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship seems increasingly likely. The longstanding allies may soon face off once again, potentially reigniting their dynamic from Night of Champions 2025. Whether Orton remains a friend or makes a sudden heel turn to betray Rhodes remains a key storyline to watch.
Since his return, Orton has shown clear interest in the WWE Title but has maintained a seemingly amicable relationship with Rhodes. Growing tension fueled by McIntyre’s attempts to sow discord suggests their alliance could fracture, prompting fans and analysts alike to anticipate a dramatic shift in their connection.
Aleister Black’s Opportunity to Renew an AEW Rivalry
Aleister Black, who initially appeared against Rhodes during an AEW storyline mixed in with varying fan reactions, has been quietly gaining momentum since his WWE return. Although he has yet to receive a significant world title push, a feud over the WWE Championship would present him the chance to build on his potential.
Black’s lack of a one-on-one world title challenge in WWE distinguishes this possibility as fresh and exciting. By reigniting a rivalry with Rhodes, WWE could showcase strong in-ring storytelling while promoting Black as a serious contender on SmackDown.
Damian Priest’s Fresh Face-Off with Rhodes
Damian Priest, who held the World Heavyweight Championship in 2024, is another candidate primed to challenge Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Although Priest has hovered near the world title scene, he has never squared off against Rhodes for WWE’s top title, providing a novel element to the competition.
Both Rhodes and Priest share babyface status, but Priest’s connection to Rhodes stems from past storyline tensions involving Judgment Day in 2023. Their shared history promises a compelling, high-energy match-up that could help expand Rhodes’ reign by introducing a respected and athletic challenger.
Brock Lesnar’s Return Threatens Rhodes’ Championship
Brock Lesnar returned to WWE in 2025, immediately positioning himself as a major threat to any world title holder. His history with Rhodes dates back to a hard-fought feud in 2023, where Rhodes secured a big victory and earned widespread respect.
Despite Rhodes’ prior win, Lesnar’s relentless drive for championship gold may lead him to seek revenge. Such a rematch for the WWE Title could take place at a marquee event like Survivor Series or the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, adding tension and uncertainty to Rhodes’ continued dominance.
Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks’ Bold Ambitions
The Wyatt Sicks faction, led by Uncle Howdy, may be aiming to broaden their championship collection. Challenging for the WWE Championship would mark a significant departure from their previous pursuits and provide a dark, eerie storyline uncommon in recent world title pictures.
Channeling the legacy of Bray Wyatt, Uncle Howdy striving for WWE’s top prize adds a compelling family-driven narrative. After their success capturing the WWE Tag Team Titles, the faction’s attempt at the world title would intensify their presence and potentially elevate their faction’s standing among WWE’s elite competitors.
Sami Zayn: A Unique Ally-Turned-Rival Challenge
Sami Zayn currently holds the United States Championship and shares a close alliance with Cody Rhodes. Fans nearly got to witness their clash at the King of the Ring tournament, which ultimately didn’t reach the finals, fueling curiosity about the possibility of the two longtime allies facing off.
A WWE Title match featuring Rhodes and Zayn would be both fresh and highly marketable, potentially featuring dual stakes with Zayn’s US Title also on the line. Both men are among WWE’s most popular and successful babyfaces, making such a feud high-profile and emotionally charged.
Jacob Fatu’s Rise and Potential Main Event Push
Jacob Fatu gained attention after Cody Rhodes highlighted him during his feud with Solo Sikoa in 2024. Although a direct match between Rhodes and Fatu did not materialize then, the ending of Fatu’s storyline with Sikoa in 2025 has reopened the door for WWE to elevate Fatu to main event status.
Fatu’s rapid fan popularity and in-ring prowess make him a prime candidate for a title push. Whether portraying a babyface or heel, a WWE Championship feud with Rhodes would provide the spotlight Fatu needs to cement his position in the upper tier of WWE superstars.
Drew McIntyre Seeking Redemption After Wrestlepalooza
Despite his loss to Cody Rhodes at Wrestlepalooza, Drew McIntyre’s defeat was controversial due to referee interference preventing a legally permitted attack on Rhodes outside the ring. This controversial finish fuels McIntyre’s argument for another WWE Title opportunity.
Given their unresolved rivalry, McIntyre appears poised to challenge Rhodes again. Both men have significant histories as champions and top contenders, and a renewed clash would likely elevate the WWE Championship storyline heading into future events.
The Implications for Cody Rhodes’ WWE Title Reign
Cody Rhodes’ current WWE Title reign faces considerable challenges from a diverse pool of contenders offering a mix of established rivalries and fresh matchups. Whether dealing with rivals like Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar or newer threats such as Aleister Black and Jacob Fatu, Rhodes must navigate an intense and unpredictable title landscape.
These potential challengers will test Rhodes’ resilience and storytelling as WWE prepares significant events like Survivor Series, the Royal Rumble, and Crown Jewel. How Rhodes handles these threats will shape the direction of the WWE Championship and define his legacy.
