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The American Nightmare will look to add another successful title defense to his resume, but he has two very formidable competitors to get through. The question is, should Rhodes walk out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the title? Let’s look at two reasons why Cody Rhodes should retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions and two reasons he shouldn’t.
#4. Why he shouldn’t: Gunther needs the win more
Gunther seemed like the most dominant competitor on the roster not too long ago. The Ring General retired John Cena in December and AJ Styles in January. He then defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42 and quickly established himself as the biggest threat in the company.
However, things have slowed down since then. Gunther has challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship twice and failed to win on both occasions. While both losses came under controversial circumstances, losses are losses. As a result, some of the momentum he built earlier in the year has faded.
That is why Night of Champions feels so important for him. Cody Rhodes is already established as a top star and does not necessarily need another title defense to maintain his standing. Gunther, on the other hand, needs a major victory to regain the aura of dominance that made him such a dangerous competitor in the first place.
#3. Why Cody Rhodes should retain: Unfinished business with Randy Orton
One reason Cody Rhodes should retain the Undisputed WWE Championship is Randy Orton. At WrestleMania 42, Rhodes defeated Orton to retain the title. However, the story did not end there. After the match, The Viper snapped and attacked Cody before laying him out with a Punt Kick.
Orton then posed with the championship. It felt like WWE was setting up the next chapter of their rivalry. However, Orton has not appeared on television since, and the angle has yet to be revisited.
That could change soon. SummerSlam is approaching, and Orton could return at any moment. If WWE plans to continue the feud, it makes more sense for Cody Rhodes to remain champion. After all, the title was at the center of their issues heading into WrestleMania.
#2. Why shouldn’t: He doesn’t have to be pinned or submitted to lose the title
The Triple Threat stipulation gives WWE a unique opportunity. In a traditional singles match, taking the championship off Cody Rhodes would require him to be pinned or submitted. However, that is not the case at Night of Champions.
Cody does not have to be involved in the decision to lose the title. Gunther could pin Sami Zayn and walk out as the new Undisputed WWE Champion. Alternatively, Sami could steal the victory himself. Either way, Rhodes could lose the championship without taking a direct loss.
That makes a title change much easier to justify. Moreover, WWE has already planted seeds for issues between Cody and Sami. The tension between the two stars has been growing in recent weeks, and a controversial finish could push their relationship past the breaking point.
If Gunther leaves Riyadh with the title, Cody and Sami could move into a non-title feud while The Ring General begins a new championship reign. Given the stipulation, Night of Champions may be the ideal time for WWE to crown a new champion without damaging Cody’s credibility.
#1. Why he should: A potential Roman Reigns match at Crown Jewel 2026
Both Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns currently hold world championships. Cody is the Undisputed WWE Champion, while Reigns is the World Heavyweight Champion. If they remain champions for the next few months, WWE would have a major match available for Crown Jewel.
Traditionally, the world champions from both brands face each other at the event. Cody and Roman would be a natural choice. The two stars have already headlined WrestleMania twice. Reigns defeated Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, while Cody got his revenge and finished the story at WrestleMania 40. As things stand, their rivalry is tied at one win apiece.
A third match would settle the score. WWE may have even teased that possibility after Clash in Italy, where Cody and Roman shared a brief backstage staredown. While nothing came from the interaction immediately, it certainly caught the attention of fans.
For that reason, keeping the championship on Cody Rhodes could be the better long-term decision. A champion vs. champion showdown between Cody and Roman is one of the biggest matches WWE can still book.
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