Top three potential opponents for Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 41

The American Nightmare will defend his title at Royal Rumble PLE

‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Title against his former friend Kevin Owens in a ladder match at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE on February 1.

The two stars are locked in a fierce feud since Bad Blood 2024 PLE, they last clashed at Saturday Night’s Main Event where Rhodes successfully defended his title but Owens attacked him afterwards. The Royal Rumble clash was announced on the recent episode of SmackDown where Rhodes returned.

The American Nightmare is also scheduled for an appearance in the debut episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. The debut episode is set for January 6 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, U.S.A.

Here, we’ll look beyond the Royal Rumble PLE and discuss three potential opponents for the Undisputed Champion at WrestleMania 41. The 41st edition of WrestleMania is scheduled to take place as a two-night event on April 19 and 20, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, USA. 

3. Randy Orton

The match between Orton and Rhodes would be long-term storytelling at its finest. The story between the two friends began sixteen years back when Rhodes spent his initial heel run alongside Orton in Legacy. Rhodes along with Ted DiBiase were the henchmen of Orton.

The two Legacy members assisted Orton in dominating the WWE Championship scene in the late 2000s and supported his victory in the 2009 Royal Rumble. All these years later the roles are somewhat reversed as Cody is now holding the title in some ways because of Orton’s help with the Bloodline.

Cody Rhodes 🇺🇸 x Randy Orton 🐍The emotional toll this feud will take on the fans that witness it will be next level• Mentor vs Student • Brother vs Brother• One of the best babyfaces vs One of the best heels of all time Prepare yourself for the rollercoaster 💔 pic.twitter.com/YR6M0sknfP

— NIGHTMARE (@Jwrasslintakes) December 31, 2024

The promotion has also hinted at a potential clash between the two during the broadcast where Randy was caught staring at the title multiple times in segments with Cody. Orton is currently out of action due to an injury caused by Kevin Owens.

As per reports, The Viper would make his return around the Royal Rumble 2025 PLE. Orton can return as a heel, something he is famous for but has been a face since 2023. A potential heel turn and a match with Rhodes at the grandest stage would be one of the biggest matches of the year.

Also Read: WWE Champion Cody Rhodes achieves this INCREDIBLE milestone in 2024

2. John Cena

The greatest wrestler of all time, John Cena will kick off his retirement tour next week during the debut episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. The Cenation Leader will perform full-time in 2025, he is currently tied with Ric Flair for the most title reigns at 16 in the promotion.

Many fans are hoping Cena to capture the WWE title during his retirement tour and become the only 17-time WWE Champion. A match against Rhodes would be the perfect opportunity for him to do so, Cena can take part in the men’s Royal Rumble match.

Reports suggest that majority of talk has circled around the idea of John Cena vs Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 for the WWE Championship 🤩#WWE #WrestleMania41 pic.twitter.com/t03EMkYvqJ

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) December 27, 2024

A win would not only guarantee his shot at the title but he can also confront the champion after his title defense at the same PLE setting up a storyline ahead of their clash. As per some reports, the promotion is planning a title clash between Cena and Rhodes for April at the Allegiant Stadium. 

If the match between the two biggest faces in the promotion’s history materializes it will be an iconic moment for WWE fans.

1. The Rock

The feud between Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Cody Rhodes started when Johnson tried to take Cody’s spot against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41. However, major outrage from the fandom forced WWE Creative to correct course and put the American Nightmare back in the title picture.

Johnson then turned heel as ‘The Final Boss’ and feuded with Rhodes, battered him leaving the champion bloodied. The Rock also personally attacked his family and although many fans want to see him fight ‘The OTC’ Roman Reigns a match against Rhodes would also be a perfect match for the grandest stage.

The Final Boss is the greatest character work of The Rock’s entire career. Bruh beat Cody Rhodes to a pulp in the rain 😭 https://t.co/cpFfLBhz4X

— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) December 27, 2024

A win over Johnson would solidify Cody’s status as the champion as he has already defeated the Tribal Chief and taking down the Final Boss would solidify his status as the top dog in the promotion. The matchup would also create some of the best promos as Johnson is known and loved for his on-mic skills.

The Rock holds a victory over Rhodes as he pinned the soon-to-be WWE Champion in the main event of Night One at WrestleMania XL, the American Nightmare is eager to avenge the loss.

Who in your opinion should be the opponent for Rhodes at WrestleMania? Who will walk away with the title at Royal Rumble 2025? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.

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