Cody Rhodes has established himself as one of the biggest WWE superstars of all time and is sitting at the wrestling industry’s pinnacle. Ever since The Prodigal Son hoisted the Undisputed WWE Championship over his head in front of a defeated Roman Reigns, Rhodes became the golden goose of the global juggernaut.
The American Nightmare has worked his way to the top by defying the odds and completely reinventing himself to become the superstar he is today. The sold-out arenas could measure Rhodes’ stardom, with recording-breaking merchandise sales and undeniable connection with the WWE fans. With his determination to become a fighting champion, let us look at possible challengers who might face Rhodes at WrestleMania next year in our WrestleMania 41 Predictions:
1. The trilogy culminates at WrestleMania 41
The feud and two blockbuster showdowns between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have proven to be a money-making rivalry for WWE in the modern era while solidifying them as each other’s storied foe for the ages to come.
Moreover, the numbers generated for WWE regarding viewership, social media, merchandise, and other factors prove the credibility of their showdown. In an attempt to once again capitalize on that business, it makes perfect sense for WWE to book one more dance between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at the Grandest Stage of them All, WrestleMania 41.
2. Teacher vs Student
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes came to WWE during the late 2000s and went straight under the tutelage of The Viper, Randy Orton as part of his then-faction, Legacy. Furthermore, Rhodes has a lot to credit to Orton for his early beginnings that shaped him into the megastar we know today.
Both Randy and Cody have come so far since The Legacy days. Orton was able to be a mainstay on WWE programming while Cody stepped away to join AEW, reinvented himself, and came back as the main event player of this generation. So, a match between both will be an instant classic and should be a great addition to the WWE WrestleMania 41.
3. The American Nightmare vs The Final Boss
One of the most highly anticipated dream matches for Cody Rhodes would be against one of his top rivals on the road to WrestleMania 40, The Rock. The Final Boss had been a major roadblock in Rhodes’ quest to finish the story, laying down vicious assaults and verbal SmackDowns on multiple occasions. Moreover, in The Rock’s final appearance before going on hiatus, he hinted at a potential future showdown against The American Nightmare once he returns to the WWE landscape.
This could set the tone for The Rock to return during the build to WrestleMania 41 to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship to avenge the loss of his cousin Roman Reigns and complete the tasks he failed to do at WrestleMania 40.
4. All Rhodes lead to The Face That Runs The Place
John Cena is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the wrestling world who has yet to battle a fellow revolutionary in Cody Rhodes. Although The Leader of the Cenation has faced the Prodigal son of WWE on multiple occasions in the past, he has yet to step inside the squared circle with the Cody Rhodes we know today.
Mr Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect shocked the entire world at WWE Money in the Bank Premium Live Event last month when he made a surprise appearance on the show to announce his retirement from in-ring actions and said that WrestleMania 41 would be his last WrestleMania as an in-ring competitor. A match where Cena will be seen vying for his 17th World Title against Cody Rhdoes would be the perfect final WrestleMania match for one of the biggest names to ever step inside a WWE ring.
What do you think about these potential challengers for Cody Rhodes from our WrestleMania 41 Predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments!