3 changes Triple H desperately needs to make to Cody Rhodes' reign as Undisputed WWE Champion
Since taking over the role of WWE's Head of Creative, Triple H has played an active part in ensuring that the weekly TV shows are thoroughly entertaining. Cody Rhodes' reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion has been one of the highlights following WrestleMania. However, it is up to Hunter to ensure that Rhodes' run as champion isn't remembered as lackluster after a successful two-year-long storyline, which many consider as one of the best in the past decade.
For the first time in decades, fans are finally confident that their voices will no longer go unheard. One superstar who has managed to remain tremendously popular with fans throughout this new regime is Cody Rhodes. Despite initial concerns, The Game has remained adamant about doing right by The American Nightmare, as evidenced by his iconic win in the main event of WrestleMania XL.
Now, four months removed from the historic night, Cody's run as champion faces the risk of getting stale. At this point, fans counting on Triple H and his team to make the necessary changes to save this reign. Here are three ways to do it.
#3. Stop making 'mutual respect between rivals' as the main element in Rhodes' title feuds
It's been a long time since WWE has had a flawless babyface at the top of the men's division. Cody Rhodes fits the bill and has impressively given fans no reason to turn on him.
Given Cody's current on-screen character, it makes complete sense for him to have respect for his opponents. However, as a top champion on the most-watched weekly wrestling show, there is an urgent need to apply some changes to how most of The Dashing One's feuds are unraveling.
Be it his Backlash program with AJ Styles, the one with Logan Paul, or even his current interaction with his next challenger, Kevin Owens, there is more focus being put on finding out who's the better showman than two men engaging in a gripping battle and doing everything in their power to lay claim to the throne.
Given the highly intriguing top storylines on RAW and The Bloodline Saga on SmackDown, it's high time Cody Rhodes' title programs reflect believable animosity between the foes too.
#2. Abandon the concept of the Undisputed WWE Champion issuing/accepting challenges from talents who haven't earned the opportunity
Even before 'finishing the story,' Cody Rhodes promised the WWE Universe that he'd be a fighting champion. Even though he has kept his word, there's a small problem with that.
For over the past few years, Roman Reigns did a surreal job of making the title, which is around The American Nightmare's waist now, seem like an actual prize. He turned the strap into a cherished trophy that aspiring main eventers would make every effort to capture.
So, once The American Nightmare dethroned The Tribal Chief, the responsibility of upholding the prestige of the title shifted to him. However, it's not possible to make the Undisputed WWE Championship seem like the biggest deal in the company if Rhodes himself is giving chances to those who haven't earned the opportunity.
Convincing Kevin Owens to fight for the title, despite his reservations, or accepting Carmelo Hayes' challenge without waiting for him to make an impact on the main roster first, are sure-shot practices of devaluing the title and should be stopped promptly.
#1. Strike while the iron is hot
Cody's feud with AJ Styles after WrestleMania and the one after that with Logan Paul didn't have considerable heat behind them.
Despite that, fans were willing to be patient and trust in Triple H's booking. Since the night The American Nightmare became the Undisputed WWE Champion, fans have been eagerly awaiting him and his former mentor Randy Orton to fight for the title.
Many were hopeful that the grudge feud between Rhodes as the fan-favorite hero and Orton as the vicious heel would be one of the top programs of the summer. Instead, The American Nightmare found himself involved in The Bloodline's business again, much to fans' disappointment.
Now, with Randy Orton on RAW, it's not confirmed when the WWE Universe will get to witness the highly-anticipated feud between the former Legacy members. So, it's the need of the hour for Triple H to start delivering on fans' wishes when their interest is at an all-time high. That would be an effective way to keep Cody's title reign fresh.