Cody Rhodes survived the brutality of his former mentor, Randy Orton, in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One to retain his Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody has been riding on high momentum as a three-time world champion. However, a new threat has emerged, and his reign may be in jeopardy.
On Friday on WWE SmackDown, The American Nightmare defeated Ricky Saints in the latter’s debut on the blue brand. As the referee raised Rhodes’ hands in victory, Gunther blindsided the champion. He locked Cody in a sleeper hold and left him unconscious in the ring before standing over him with the title. This marked a major new storyline shift.
Thanks for the submission!
Given the situation, it’s obvious that The Ring General is coming after the Undisputed WWE Championship. With Backlash set for Saturday in Tampa, Florida, it seems fans might get to see a match between the duo. With this in mind, there’s a possibility Cody Rhodes might be booked to defend his title against The Carrer Killer.
If this match is made official this Friday on WWE SmackDown, in a shocking twist, Randy Orton could make a surprise return and cost The American Nightmare. Towards the end of the match, Orton could interfere by possibly distracting Cody or even attacking him while the referee is not looking. Gunther would then take advantage to steal the victory.
Given The Viper’s post-match attack on Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, it’s clear that their feud is not over. However, the storyline appears to be on hold since Orton has not been seen on TV since his loss at ‘Mania. A possible return this Saturday to interfere and cost Cody could be the creative team’s way of continuing their rivalry.
That’s not all. It would also allow The American Nightmare to look strong in defeat since he wasn’t beaten fairly by Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
If this happens, Triple H and Co. could have the bitter rivals continue their feud throughout the summer. This could then set the stage for a blockbuster match at SummerSlam.
While this angle might sound convincing, it is purely speculative. Nothing in this regard has been confirmed.
Gunther potentially dethroning Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship could be a masterstroke
If Randy Orton eventually makes his return and costs Cody Rhodes during a potential Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Gunther at Backlash, it would be a strategic move by Triple H and his creative team.
The Ring General is currently the most disliked superstar in WWE. He has earned a new nickname, The Career Killer, because he has retired several legends within a year. After his victory over Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42, it seems like Gunther is ready to reclaim his position as champion.
Considering this, winning the Undisputed WWE Championship would instantly establish Gunther as a major force in the division. That’s not all. It would also pave the way for new rivalries over the title, leading to fresh and exciting storylines on SmackDown. However, this angle is also speculative.
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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein