Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are heading toward a personal collision at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6. Their rivalry has produced physical confrontations and increasingly bitter words, with both men knowing what is at stake.
The company has also made the consequences of their pre-match actions clear: neither man can afford to lose control before the bell. The stipulation has added another layer to the rivalry.
Thanks for the submission!
Regardless of who wins, Rhodes may need to emerge from the match looking different from the superstar that fans have watched for years. A victory could reinforce his position as WWE’s leading babyface, while a defeat could force him to reassess everything. Either outcome allows WWE to refresh his presentation.
That said, in this article, we look at three reasons why Cody Rhodes may need a new character direction after Sunday Night’s Main Event.
#3. Cody Rhodes’ current heroic formula has become predictable
Cody Rhodes has been one of WWE‘s most reliable protagonists since returning to the company, and that consistency has helped make him one of its biggest stars. However, that formula has become predictable. Rhodes is attacked, responds with determination, delivers an emotional promo, fights through adversity, and attempts to overcome another major obstacle.
Cody’s feud with Randy Orton shows why a change could work. This rivalry is more personal than many of The American Nightmare’s recent programs because of their history, their previous alliance, and The Viper’s willingness to attack Cody’s family and character. WWE has allowed Cody Rhodes to respond with more intensity instead of simply playing the inspirational hero.
Thus, Sunday Night’s Main Event could be the perfect point to make that adjustment. Rhodes does not necessarily need to become a full heel. Instead, WWE could allow him to become more aggressive, more calculating, or less concerned with being universally liked. A subtle shift would preserve what fans love about him while making his next chapter less formulaic.
#2. Randy Orton can force a darker side out of Cody
Few opponents are better equipped to expose Cody Rhodes’ darker instincts than Randy Orton. The Viper knows Rhodes personally and understands the history behind their relationship. That gives Orton a different weapon: he can attack Cody psychologically.
Their exchanges have become personal. Randy Orton has targeted Rhodes with harsh comments. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has hinted at a willingness to embrace methods less traditionally heroic. WWE even highlighted Rhodes using Paul Heyman‘s famous phrase during the build, adding fuel to speculation that The American Nightmare could be moving toward a more morally ambiguous presentation.
Thus, that possibility becomes compelling if Orton pushes Cody beyond his limits. A controversial victory, an excessive attack after the bell, or Rhodes willingly breaking a rule could create the foundation for a character evolution. He could remain a fan favorite while becoming noticeably more ruthless.
Such a direction would make future rivalries more interesting. Instead of always being the righteous superstar fighting evil, Cody Rhodes could become someone willing to cross lines when necessary. That gray area would create stronger stories because opponents could question whether The American Nightmare is still the same hero WWE fans have supported.
#1. WWE needs a fresh direction for Cody’s next chapter
Ultimately, the biggest reason for a change is that Cody Rhodes needs another major chapter. His journey back to WWE and pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship gave his character a powerful long-term narrative. The company now needs to keep The American Nightmare compelling without relying on redemption and perseverance alone.
Randy Orton provides an ideal catalyst. Their Sunday Night’s Main Event showdown can close one chapter while opening another. If Cody wins, WWE can portray him as a superstar who has survived the most personal challenge of his career but has learned that playing fair is not always enough. If he loses, the setback could push him into frustration, introspection, and eventually transformation.
A character change would not have to mean an immediate heel turn. Triple H could instead introduce a more serious, unpredictable Cody who speaks less about being a hero and focuses more on getting results. Pairing that version of Rhodes with Paul Heyman would be intriguing, given the recent hints on SmackDown.
WWE should ensure the change feels earned. Sunday Night’s Main Event should not simply be another match in Cody Rhodes’ long list of rivalries. It can be the moment that forces The American Nightmare to confront what he has become and decide what kind of superstar he wants to be next.
Whether Rhodes leaves Atlanta victorious or defeated, the aftermath could be more important than the result itself. A refreshed Rhodes could give WWE another compelling centerpiece for the months ahead. That could give his character stakes beyond championships and heroic comebacks moving forward.
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Edited by Steffi
