4 Things That May Happen if Cody Rhodes Loses to Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event

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The timing matters because Sunday Night’s Main Event is not another weekly television match. The company is presenting the Atlanta event as a major attraction. Also, The American Nightmare will be competing in his hometown. Losing there would therefore create a setback that could influence his next chapter.

That said, in this article, we look at four things that may happen if Cody Rhodes loses to Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event.

#4. Cody Rhodes could be pushed away from the Undisputed WWE Title picture

A loss would make it difficult for Cody Rhodes to immediately demand another championship opportunity. With CM Punk currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, the company can use Rhodes’ defeat to create distance between The American Nightmare and the title scene.

Rather than rushing him back toward Punk, WWE could give Cody a stretch of meaningful non-title feuds. That would allow him to rebuild momentum without making every major storyline revolve around championship gold.

It could also make Cody Rhodes’ eventual return to the title picture feel more important. He has already spent considerable time around the championship. So a temporary detour could refresh his character and allow another superstar to challenge The Second City Saint in the meantime.

#3. Randy Orton could become the next major challenger

The immediate consequence could be Randy Orton’s elevation. If The Viper defeats Cody Rhodes cleanly, he would have a strong argument for becoming CM Punk’s next challenger.

Orton has made it clear that the Undisputed WWE Championship is his objective. Thus, beating a former champion like Rhodes would strengthen his case considerably. The creative team would not need to manufacture another reason for him to pursue Punk; the victory would provide one naturally.

Randy Orton also has a psychological advantage. He knows Rhodes extremely well. Thus, another victory would let The Viper claim that their history gives him an edge. That confidence could make his championship pursuit even more dangerous.

That could set up a compelling veteran vs. veteran program while allowing Orton to capitalize on his renewed momentum. A championship match would also give WWE another way to keep The American Nightmare involved indirectly, especially if the former friends continue trading verbal shots.

#2. Cody could become more aggressive

Another possibility is a character shift. Losing to Randy Orton could push Cody Rhodes into a more ruthless mindset.

Rhodes has spent much of his WWE run presenting himself as a determined hero who refuses to quit. Thus, a painful defeat against someone who once mentored him could test that identity. The company could gradually show The American Nightmare becoming less patient and more willing to cross lines to get what he wants.

That would not necessarily mean a full heel turn. Instead, Rhodes could become an edgier babyface, particularly if Orton continues provoking him. The rivalry could then evolve from a straightforward revenge story into a battle over how far Rhodes is willing to go.

For The American Nightmare, the defeat could create sympathy without weakening his credibility. A hard-fought loss would give him a reason to question his approach, particularly after failing to overcome The Viper despite knowing exactly what his former mentor is capable of.

#1. Triple H could book a trilogy match

Cody Rhodes already has a victory over Randy Orton, having defeated The Viper at WrestleMania 42. Therefore, if Orton defeats The American Nightmare at Sunday Night’s Main Event, Triple H could have the perfect reason to book a trilogy match between the two former friends.

The result would make their head-to-head record 1-1, creating an obvious setup for a deciding third encounter. WWE could then raise the stakes by adding a major stipulation or championship opportunity to the bout.

A trilogy would also allow the company to further explore their complicated history. Orton could boast about evening the score. Meanwhile, Rhodes would be determined to prove that his WrestleMania 42 victory was no fluke.

For Triple H, it would be an easy way to turn Sunday’s result into an even bigger storyline. The third match could ultimately determine who truly has bragging rights in this heated rivalry.