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3 Non-Undisputed WWE Title Plans for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 11:34 AM ET

Cody Rhodes’ path to WrestleMania is up in the air. The American Nightmare was heavily expected to win the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. However, Drew McIntyre interfered in the closing moments of the match, allowing Randy Orton to capitalize and RKO Rhodes for the win.

With the win, the Viper’s path to Mania is set, but Rhodes has one more chance to get things in order. Due to McIntyre’s interference, Nick Aldis scheduled a WWE Title match between McIntyre and Rhodes this week. The American Nightmare has been a mainstay in SmackDown’s World Championship scene for years.

Furthermore, his rivalry with the Scottish Warrior is far from finished. Thus, Triple H could find a way of putting the Quarterback in the WWE Championship match at Mania. However, here, we propose a few alternatives that will keep Rhodes away from the World Title.

#3. Cody Rhodes Could Battle Gunther at WrestleMania

WWE hosted a tribute for AJ Styles on the February 23rd edition of RAW. As expected, Gunther, the man who retired Styles, disrespected the Phenomenal One and was ejected from the arena. Amid the chaos backstage, the Ring General had a chilling staredown with Cody Rhodes.

The crowd exploded when Rhodes stared a hole through the “Career Killer.” While this could have been a random staredown, Triple H may be sowing the seeds for a major feud down the line. The American Nightmare has deep respect for John Cena and AJ Styles. As the top babyface, it’s his responsibility to stand up to Gunther, who has vehemently disrespected Cena and Styles.

Rhodes and Gunther have battled before, but they have yet to have a legitimate blood feud. The Quarterback could stand up to the Ring General and teach him a lesson in respect. Rhodes vs. Gunther does have a “big fight” feel and would be a great Mania feud.

#2. Royce Keys Would Be an Intriguing Opponent

The 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble wasn’t filled with many jaw-dropping moments, but the wrestling world was glad to see Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, make his impactful debut. Keys eliminated Damian Priest and had an impressive outing.

However, Keys is yet to appear following his Rumble debut. Given his talent, background, and charisma, it would be a disappointment to see WWE’s latest signee miss out on WrestleMania. Fortunately, the powerhouse does have a few storylines already brewing for him.

Keys spent some time with Cody Rhodes in AEW. The American Nightmare provided emotional support to Keys when the latter’s mother passed. WWE could channel Keys’ legitimate backstage friendship with Rhodes into an onscreen feud with both men as babyfaces.

The American Nightmare is a prominent face on the WWE roster. Feuding with someone like Rhodes in Mania season would do wonders for Keys. It would bring more eyes to the former AEW star, who is yet to familiarize himself with the WWE Universe.

#1. Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn has been showing a more aggressive and darker side of himself in recent weeks. He got into a heated argument with Cody Rhodes backstage. The argument occurred a week after Rhodes took advantage of Drew McIntyre’s interference to defeat Zayn and Jacob Fatu to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

The former NXT Champion is one of the most lovable and respectable names on the main roster. Zayn fights with honor and integrity, but his moral ways haven’t brought him much success lately. Therefore, he could be embracing a more evil and malicious version of himself.

Zayn’s heel turn could begin with a shocking betrayal. He could cost Rhodes the WWE Title on SmackDown this Friday, setting the stage for a massive singles feud with the American Nightmare that would culminate in a grudge match at Mania.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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