The World's Best Disruptor; A beloved mentor? - 5 potential challengers for Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series: WarGames
This year's Survivor Series: WarGames will emanate from Vancouver, Canada in November. WWE made the big announcement during the Season Premiere of RAW last week.
Cody Rhodes will be involved with the event in some fashion. He may be a part of Team Roman Reigns if the bout becomes five-on-five. For that to happen, Solo Sikoa will have to add a fifth member to The Bloodline and Hikuleo would fit that description.
If The American Nightmare does not compete in the WarGames contest for the second straight year, he'll likely defend the Undisputed WWE Championship. The next five stars could challenge Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series: WarGames.
#5. Randy Orton is on the shortlist of challengers
The Viper had his title match with Gunther at the Bash in Berlin. After leaving SmackDown for one big match to challenge the top star on RAW, Orton returned to the blue brand last week as Kevin Owens' mystery partner against A-Town Down Under.
Now that he's done with his sojourn to RAW, The Legend Killer can be reintegrated into meaningful angles on SmackDown. Fans were expecting Rhodes to face his mentor at some point due to their history and friendship.
Rhodes will not be defending his title at Bad Blood instead he is teaming with Roman Reigns to take on The Bloodline. That opens the door for The Viper to challenge his friend for the title at Survivor Series: WarGames.
It could be a sporting match between comrades or Orton could turn heel to up the intensity of a potential showdown.
#4. Seth Rollins is a perennial title challenger
Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes have been linked ever since The American Nightmare came back to WWE in 2022. Rollins was Rhodes' first feud/opponent, losing in their three matches.
The two then allied on the Road to WrestleMania 40 to combat The Bloodline. Rollins could have turned on The American Nightmare due to their history, but he remained loyal to his tag team partner.
Rhodes has rewarded friends (Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Jey Uso) who have remained loyal, so Rollins could be a good opponent for a one-off match at a PLE. It would likely mean another loss but could facilitate a heel turn for The Visionary.
#3. LA Knight deserves a spot on a major WWE PLE
If LA Knight doesn't have a dance partner for Vancouver, then WWE could have its two major singles champions on SmackDown face off at Survivor Series: WarGames.
It would provide a tough face vs. face dynamic but would also gauge how popular each star is against another huge fan favorite. The Megastar hasn't been booked on a PLE since winning the United States Championship at SummerSlam.
The Megastar should get a few spots before the year ends. Had Rhodes not already faced Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, they could have saved that showdown for the PLE. With the two top Canadian stars already facing the Undisputed Champion, Knight is a good option due to his global popularity.
#2. John Cena gets one last title shot before his retirement
John Cena announced his intention to retire next year. After breaking the shocking news at Money in the Bank earlier this year, Cena rattled off how certain PLEs will be his last ever.
Cena could start his retirement tour few months early at this year's Survivor Series: WarGames. Cody's feud for the show should be a one-off, making Cena a perfect opponent.
The Leader of Cenation could put up a valiant effort and endorse Rhodes as many veterans have historically done when passing the torch to the new top dogs.
#1. CM Punk should be finished with Drew McIntyre by WarGames
The 2023 edition of Survivor Series: WarGames was filled with surprises. Randy Orton made his comeback from a long injury hiatus while CM Punk returned to WWE for the first time in almost a decade.
McIntyre and Rollins were among the two most visibly angered with his return. Rhodes, however, accepted The Best in the World, even sharing the ring with him during the build to the Royal Rumble.
Punk and Rhodes were the final two stars in this year's Men's Royal Rumble match. The Straight Edge Superstar tore his tricep during the bout and was not his 100% when he battled Cody to win a chance to main event WrestleMania. The Voice of the Voiceless could remind The American Nightmare of that fact while also giving WarGames a blockbuster match for Vancouver.
A SmackDown star crossed over to challenge Gunther in Berlin. There's no reason why a RAW star cannot enjoy the same treatment. Punk won't be in the rumored The Bloodline Civil War match so a massive contest against the current top dog would sell itself.