3 Things WWE Can Do With Cody Rhodes After His Randy Orton Match

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Interestingly, this match comes with major stakes beyond simply settling their rivalry. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has warned both men that if either initiates physicality before the contest, they will not receive another Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity.

That said, in this article, we look at three things WWE can do with Cody Rhodes after his match with Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event.

#3. Continue the Randy Orton story

If Randy Orton defeats Cody Rhodes at Sunday Night’s Main Event, WWE could keep their rivalry alive and build toward a trilogy match.

Rhodes already defeated Orton at WrestleMania 42, meaning a Randy victory in Atlanta would immediately even the score. That would give WWE a natural reason to book a decisive third encounter, particularly if the company wants to keep their personal history central to both characters.

Their rivalry has enough backstory to sustain another chapter. The Viper was once a mentor and close friend to Rhodes, making their conflict more personal than a standard championship feud. The company has already presented their relationship as having deteriorated dramatically, with Orton previously attacking Rhodes after their WrestleMania encounter.

A trilogy could therefore be positioned as the final battle between the two former allies. Triple H could even make the third match more consequential by attaching a championship opportunity or stipulation to it. If Randy Orton wins in Atlanta, Cody Rhodes would have to prove that his WrestleMania victory was not a fluke. Conversely, Orton would have the chance to establish himself as the superior Superstar.

That would give the rivalry a clear progression, rather than letting it end abruptly after Sunday Night’s Main Event.

#2. Put Cody Rhodes into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture

WWE could also use the result to move Cody Rhodes directly back toward the Undisputed WWE Championship.

If Rhodes loses to Randy Orton, the defeat does not necessarily need to derail him. In fact, it could give him another reason to chase the championship and prove himself once again.

The championship picture remains one of the most natural destinations for Rhodes because of his status as a former Undisputed WWE Champion. Thus, Triple H could have him enter the title scene immediately after his feud with Orton, or gradually work his way back into contention.

There is also an interesting story opportunity if Rhodes loses cleanly. Instead of immediately demanding another championship opportunity, he could accept responsibility for the defeat and begin rebuilding himself. That journey could eventually lead to a major title match later in the year.

Alternatively, WWE could have The American Nightmare win the match against Randy Orton. Cody Rhodes would then use the victory as momentum for another championship pursuit. Either way, his association with the top title remains valuable.

The key would be avoiding the impression that Rhodes is simply being recycled into another championship feud without a meaningful reason. His post-Orton direction should feel like a continuation of his character’s journey.

#1. Use the result to reshape Cody Rhodes’ character

The most intriguing option could be to use the Orton match to fundamentally change Cody Rhodes. A loss could provide WWE with the perfect opportunity to turn The American Nightmare heel.

Rhodes has spent years being presented as one of WWE’s biggest heroic figures. However, a devastating defeat in his hometown could create the emotional breaking point necessary for a darker version of the character.

Imagine Orton defeating The American Nightmare in Atlanta, only for Rhodes to refuse to accept the result. He could attack The Viper afterward. Blame the fans for distracting him. Or he could become increasingly obsessed with proving he remains WWE’s biggest star.

That would give the company a fresh direction for one of its most recognizable superstars. It would also create new possibilities against babyfaces across the roster.

More importantly, it would make the Randy Orton match mean something beyond the result. Whether Rhodes wins or loses, WWE can use the aftermath to redefine his character and create an entirely different chapter of his career.