Cody Rhodes suffered one of the biggest setbacks of his career at Night of Champions 2026. After entering the premium live event as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, The American Nightmare walked out empty-handed. Sami Zayn capitalized on the chaotic Triple Threat Match involving Gunther to capture the company’s richest prize.
Despite the loss, Rhodes remains one of WWE’s biggest stars. His popularity hasn’t diminished. Thus, Triple H has multiple compelling directions available for the former champion. Rather than rushing him back into the title picture, the promotion has an opportunity to tell fresh stories while preserving Cody’s status as one of SmackDown’s marquee attractions.
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That said, in this article, we look at three possible directions for Cody Rhodes following his heartbreaking championship defeat.
#3. Take some time away from WWE television
Sometimes, the best move after a major championship loss is to disappear for a while.
Cody Rhodes has been one of the company’s workhorses over the past several years. He has consistently appeared on television while carrying the Undisputed WWE Championship through numerous high-profile rivalries. After losing the title, Triple H could write him off television for several weeks to allow both the superstar and the audience a chance to reset.
A brief hiatus would serve multiple purposes. First, it would help sell the emotional impact of losing the championship. Rhodes has built his WWE character around accomplishing and maintaining greatness. A devastating loss to Sami Zayn should have consequences. Thus, stepping away from the spotlight would reinforce just how much the title meant to him.
Secondly, absence often makes fans appreciate a superstar even more. WWE has successfully used this strategy with several top stars over the years. Thus, allowing anticipation to build before a major return.
Finally, taking Cody Rhodes off television would create more breathing room for Sami Zayn’s championship reign. The new champion deserves the opportunity to establish himself without constantly being overshadowed by his predecessor.
When Cody eventually returns, his comeback would feel like a major event rather than just another weekly appearance.
#2. Begin a non-title rivalry with another top SmackDown star
If WWE doesn’t want Cody Rhodes to disappear from television, the next-best option is to keep him away from the championship picture while placing him in a marquee non-title feud.
One of the biggest mistakes the company could make would be immediately recycling Cody into another world title storyline. Instead, Triple H should use his star power to elevate another top name on SmackDown.
The beauty of a non-title feud is that it allows The American Nightmare to remain relevant without dominating the championship scene. His matches and promos are compelling enough that he doesn’t need a championship around his waist to be featured prominently.
More importantly, keeping Rhodes occupied elsewhere gives Sami Zayn the freedom to establish his own legacy as Undisputed WWE Champion without immediately revisiting the same rivalry.
Sometimes, the healthiest thing for a championship division is introducing fresh faces instead of repeatedly rotating the same contenders.
#1. Cody Rhodes could request a rematch against Sami Zayn
Although Cody Rhodes shouldn’t immediately become a permanent fixture in the title picture again, there is a high possibility that he might demand a rematch against Sami Zayn.
A rematch would make perfect storyline sense. Rhodes has repeatedly demonstrated throughout his WWE career that he refuses to stay down after adversity. Whether battling through injuries or overcoming previous championship disappointments, resilience has always been one of his defining characteristics. Thus, demanding another match against Sami would stay true to that character.
However, WWE should be careful with the timing. Rather than handing Rhodes an immediate championship match on the first SmackDown after Night of Champions, Triple H could allow the story to breathe. The American Nightmare could gradually work his way back into contention while Sami begins establishing himself as the champion.
By the time they eventually meet again, perhaps at SummerSlam or another major premium live event, the rematch would feel far more significant than if it happened immediately.
Also, it would allow Sami to score at least one successful title defense beforehand. Thus, strengthening his credibility regardless of whether he retains it against Cody.
Losing the Undisputed WWE Championship is undoubtedly disappointing for Rhodes, but it also presents the promotion with a rare creative opportunity. Rather than rushing back to familiar territory, Triple H can use this moment to tell fresh stories while keeping one of the company’s biggest stars firmly in the spotlight.
Whether Cody Rhodes takes a temporary hiatus, enters a blockbuster non-title rivalry, or eventually challenges Sami Zayn for the championship again, WWE has several compelling options. The key will be resisting the temptation to hit the reset button and instead allowing both Rhodes and the new champion to evolve in separate, meaningful directions before their paths inevitably cross once again.
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Edited by R. Elahi
