Cody Rhodes to bring 2 ex-AEW stars as managers; title retirement? - 5 Predictions for The American Nightmare's WWE Title reign for the rest of 2024
Cody Rhodes ended Roman Reigns' 1,316 days-long Undisputed WWE Championship reign in the main event of Night Two of WrestleMania XL. The American Nightmare has been holding the gold for 100+ days, and it is likely that he will close 2024 as the champion. A lot of big things could happen during his title reign, which will likely last until WrestleMania 41, at least.
With that being said, below are five things that could happen during Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE title reign for the rest of the year.
#5. Cody Rhodes introduces a new world title design
Since his pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship began, Cody Rhodes promised fans that he would try his best to bring back the iconic Winged Eagle belt. The title was worn by legends like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Bret Hart back in the day.
The American Nightmare introduced a new design for the Intercontinental Championship at Hell in a Cell 2011, so it is not something he has not done before. That belt, which had the white strap, was used by WWE for eight years and became one of the most popular designs among fans.
Although he has not been able to convince higher-ups in the Stamford-based promotion about introducing a new world title design yet, Rhodes recently said he is still working on the potential change. Perhaps it could happen this year.
#4. The Rock could return to confront Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns on Night Two of WrestleMania XL, but he lost a Tag Team match to The Rock and Reigns on Night One before his huge win.
On the episode of WWE RAW after 'Mania, The Great One congratulated The American Nightmare on his title win and told him that their rivalry was not over. The Final Boss made it clear that Rhodes only finished his story with The Original Tribal Chief.
It is possible that The Rock is behind the formation of Solo Sikoa's Bloodline. The group targeted the Undisputed WWE Champion throughout the summer, which might have been done on The Great One's orders.
The Rock and Cody Rhodes are rumored to face off for the title at WrestleMania 41, so The Brahma Bull could return later this year to plant the seeds for that match.
#3. 2 major betrayals
Cody Rhodes had Kevin Owens and Randy Orton by his side during his feud with The Bloodline. The Undisputed WWE Champion rewarded The Prizefighter with a title match at Bash in Berlin for his efforts.
There is a possibility that The American Nightmare defeats Owens in Germany, which could trigger the latter to turn heel and attack his friend. This could lead to a second encounter between them at Bad Blood, a fitting occasion for such a clash.
Following Owens' potential betrayal, Randy Orton could backstab Rhodes, too. The Viper has been hinting at going after the Undisputed WWE title for a while, so his heel turn could also happen this year.
Orton may be offended by the fact that Rhodes did not give him a title match even though the champion is closer to The Viper than The Prizefighter. The Legend Killer will likely lose his World Heavyweight Championship match to Gunther at Bash in Berlin, so he may go after Rhodes' title after that.
#2. Cody Rhodes helps Roman Reigns against The Bloodline
Roman Reigns returned in the main event of SummerSlam earlier this month to take out Solo Sikoa, which helped Cody Rhodes in defeating the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The Original Tribal Chief is all on his own against Solo Sikoa and his men. He was brutalized by them on the latest episode of SmackDown.
The American Nightmare may decide to help Reigns to return the favor from SummerSlam. He may even join his former rival's Bloodline for a potential WarGames match against Sikoa's Bloodline at Survivor Series.
#1. Arn Anderson and Brandi Rhodes return as Cody Rhodes' managers
Rhodes was running his own faction called The Nightmare Family when he was a part of AEW. He was being managed by his wife Brandi Rhodes and the legendary Arn Anderson in Tony Khan's promotion.
Brandi left AEW alongside her husband, but she only accompanied The American Nightmare on big occasions in WWE. She could return to the Stamford-based promotion this year and start working full-time as Rhodes' manager.
Arn Anderson, who recently parted ways with AEW, was spotted giving the Undisputed WWE Champion a pep talk backstage ahead of the latter's match at SummerSlam. So, it could be a hint that they will reunite in WWE.