5 Opponents for Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026 after losing the Undisputed WWE Title

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Rhodes could feasibly win it back at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden or on a random episode of SmackDown.

While he needs to take a lengthy break from the title scene, he could still compete in a title match at the Biggest Party of the Summer. Here are five possible opponents for Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.

#5. Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther, with Nick Aldis as Special Guest Referee

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis has clearly shown favoritism to Cody Rhodes, gifting him title matches even after losing the belt. It’s caused tension with the rest of the roster.

Gunther took exception to everything that’s happened in his title matches over the last two months. He blamed Aldis after Night of Champions, even putting his hands on the GM.

Gunther bragged that Aldis, a former wrestler, is jealous of him. That could lead to an in-ring return for the British star or Rhodes defending his friend. Aldis could act as the special guest referee, giving Gunther even more reason to be angry.

#4. Randy Orton comes back for revenge

Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming since losing to Rhodes in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 42. The match was supposed to be about a potential 15th World Championship win for The Viper.

WWE officials muddied the water by tossing Jelly Roll and Pat McAfee into the feud. Orton hit both McAfee and Rhodes after his loss.

The Legend Killer could return after Night of Champions to rekindle his feud with his former friend. He’ll want revenge for losing, and getting a measure of retribution at SummerSlam could be a fitting reward.

#3. A WWE Title rematch with Sami Zayn

Part of the angle between Rhodes and Sami Zayn has been the deterioration of their friendship because of varying levels of success. Rhodes has enjoyed preferential treatment as champion and has been booked to regain his title multiple times.

The Underdog of the Underground fell short numerous times, but finally won a World Championship in his 10th attempt. Since he achieved the feat by pinning Rhodes, it means the tension will remain.

Zayn deserves to walk into Minnesota as the WWE Champion, but anything could happen in the next six weeks. If Femi surprisingly chooses Roman Reigns, then Rhodes could get a rematch at SummerSlam.

#2. A circuitous route for Oba Femi

As previously mentioned, recent history is in Cody Rhodes’ favor when it comes to him losing a title. Each time he did so, he was immediately given another opportunity to win it back.

He dropped the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 but was booked to win the 2025 King of the Ring to regain the belt from Cena at SummerSlam. The same happened earlier this year during his feud with Drew McIntyre.

McIntyre had been feuding with The American Nightmare for a few months. He finally took the title from Cody during a steel cage match before the Royal Rumble.

Since Jacob Fatu interfered and McIntyre kept Rhodes from earning a shot to regain his title, Nick Aldis gifted Rhodes a rematch immediately after the Elimination Chamber.

Even Randy Orton claimed that the title swap greatly altered his plans after he won the Chamber contest. Since Aldis will probably give Rhodes a rematch with Zayn, there’s a strong chance Rhodes regains the title ahead of SummerSlam.

It would be a huge mistake, but WWE would rather do that and have Rhodes in a prime spot at SummerSlam than give someone else a lengthy run. For that reason, Rhodes could regain the belt. Femi could choose to face him at SummerSlam.

#1. CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes

A good deal of Rhodes’ feuds have centered around deteriorating friendships. It’s happened with Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, and Sami Zayn. Zayn even pointed this fact out to Cody, but he brushed it off as nothing.

CM Punk has crossed paths with Rhodes several times since returning to WWE. They’ve always been cordial, but less so if a title opportunity was on the line. Both walked into WrestleMania as champions, but only Rhodes left with a title.

Despite that, Rhodes moped that he didn’t feel like he won at The Showcase of the Immortals. Punk, however, claimed he felt fine and accepted his loss to Roman Reigns.

With SummerSlam being the second biggest show of the year and SmackDown needing new blood atop the roster, Punk could be moving to the blue brand. He’s due back at any time after missing the last few months.

WWE needs to do something different with both men, so a potential match and feud could lead to one star finally turning heel.