Since WrestleMania XL, Cody Rhodes has moved past Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. However, the shadow of Reigns’ monumental 1,316-day title reign still looms large over Rhodes’ own championship run. To truly establish his legacy and make his reign stand out, Rhodes recognizes the need for formidable adversaries, and one name stands out: Drew McIntyre.
A New Chapter for The American Nightmare
In a recent interview on the Busted Open Podcast, Cody Rhodes discussed the type of challenges he needs to solidify his position as champion. Having already defeated AJ Styles in a highly anticipated first-time-ever match in Lyon, France, and preparing to defend his title against United States Champion Logan Paul in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Rhodes emphasized the importance of unique and meaningful matchups.
Reflecting on the era dominated by Roman Reigns, Rhodes noted that The Tribal Chief’s matches often involved recurring interference from The Bloodline, creating a predictable spectacle. In contrast, Rhodes aims to present title defenses that stand out through the quality and novelty of his opponents.
Rhodes’ Ideal Opponents
Cody Rhodes highlighted AJ Styles as a prime example of the kind of opponent he seeks. “First-time-ever situations are always a blessing,” Rhodes stated. “AJ is probably a really great example of somebody who I would like to test my mettle against.”
However, Rhodes didn’t stop there. He pointed out another significant figure: Drew McIntyre. Recalling a match on the February 19 episode of Monday Night RAW, where The Bloodline cost him a match against McIntyre, Rhodes expressed a strong desire to face McIntyre again. “I feel that Drew McIntyre sincerely believes he’s a better wrestler than me, a better athlete. I just, I would love to be in there with Drew one more time. Just to find out.”
The Return of Drew McIntyre
Currently sidelined with an elbow injury, Drew McIntyre is expected to return in time for Clash at the Castle: Scotland, set to take place at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on June 15. The Scottish Warrior has already declared his dream of competing on home turf, making a showdown with Rhodes even more enticing.
McIntyre and Rhodes share a storied history in WWE, having once held the WWE Tag Team Championship together as “The Dashing Ones” during their initial stints with the company. This shared past adds another layer of intrigue to their potential rematch.
Building Towards a New Legacy
As Cody Rhodes continues his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, the search for worthy opponents remains crucial. His desire to face Drew McIntyre underscores his commitment to proving himself against the best and making his championship run memorable.
With McIntyre’s impending return and the possibility of a clash at Clash at the Castle: Scotland, WWE fans can anticipate a thrilling chapter in The American Nightmare’s journey to cement his legacy.
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