Cody Rhodes is set to put the Undisputed WWE Title on the line against Gunther and Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat Match at Night of Champions. The American Nightmare successfully defended the title against The Ring General at Clash in Italy.
They collided in a rematch on last week’s SmackDown with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee. However, after a chaotic series of events, Rhodes remained the champion, and a Triple Threat Match was booked for the Riyadh event.
Thanks for the submission!
That said, given that it’s a three-way, Rhodes doesn’t have to be pinned or submitted to lose his title. The American Nightmare could very well walk out of Riyadh empty-handed, and if that happens, here are three potential directions for him.
#3. A non-title feud with Sami Zayn
If Cody Rhodes loses the Undisputed WWE Championship, his issues with Sami Zayn could become his next focus. The tension between the two has been building for months. Their interactions on SmackDown have become increasingly heated, and Zayn’s role as the special guest referee only added more friction to their relationship.
Night of Champions could be the breaking point. Whether Sami intentionally costs Cody the title or simply becomes frustrated after another failed championship opportunity, the two could finally turn their disagreements into a full-fledged rivalry.
A title would not be necessary. The story has become personal enough to stand on its own. If Zayn completes his heel turn, a feud with The American Nightmare would give both stars a major program heading into SummerSlam while Gunther begins his reign as champion.
#2. Rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship
Losing the Undisputed WWE Championship does not necessarily mean Cody Rhodes would walk away from the title picture. If The American Nightmare loses the championship without being pinned or submitted, he would have a strong case for an immediate rematch. That could keep him in the title picture heading into SummerSlam.
The situation could become even more interesting if Randy Orton returns. The Viper has been absent since WrestleMania 42, where he attacked Rhodes after failing to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. WWE has yet to follow up on that angle, and Orton could return to insert himself back into the title picture.
That would give WWE several options. Whether Gunther or Sami Zayn leaves Night of Champions as the new champion, Rhodes and Orton could both pursue the title. A crowded championship picture involving four top stars would give WWE plenty of directions to explore as SummerSlam approaches.
#1. Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk could begin
If Cody Rhodes loses the Undisputed WWE Championship, WWE could finally move forward with a feud against CM Punk. The seeds for the rivalry were planted on the RAW after WrestleMania 42, when the two stars shared a tense in-ring segment. However, Punk has been absent from WWE programming ever since, putting those plans on hold.
That could soon change. Reports have suggested that The Second City Saint will join SmackDown upon his return. If Cody is no longer the champion, the two could begin a rivalry without the Undisputed WWE Championship being directly involved.
The prize could instead be a future title opportunity. A feud between Cody Rhodes and Punk for the number one contender’s spot would give both stars a meaningful program while keeping them close to the championship picture. It would also allow WWE to revisit a storyline that has been waiting to happen since the RAW after WrestleMania 42.
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Edited by Parth Pujara