Cody Rhodes may be firmly positioned as WWE’s top babyface right now, but he has publicly acknowledged a turn to the dark side could be coming soon.
As seen right now with Seth Rollins and previously with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, a heel turn for Rhodes could find him recruiting others on the roster and forming a brand new faction to spread chaos in WWE.
Here are eight WWE stars that could join a new Cody Rhodes heel faction.
8. Randy Orton
While he has clearly been enjoying his most recent run as a babyface, Randy Orton is better known for his heel antics in WWE.
If Cody Rhodes were to turn to the dark side, it would make complete sense that he would want to align with one of the most dastardly heels in WWE history: his former Legacy stablemate Orton.
Given how beloved both are by the fans, their behavior may trend more towards rebellion than outright evil intentions – but either way the combination of the two veterans running amok would be iconic.
Perhaps gaining inspiration from John Cena’s recent nasty behavior, the pair of Orton & Rhodes eviscerating their opponents in promo segments would be a sight to behold.
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7. Austin Theory
Austin Theory seems set to finally get dumped by his A-Town Down Under tag team partner Grayson Waller and is seemingly poised to go it alone once again.
Theory is in need of some kind of character refresh and while he’s been receiving more favorable reactions lately, his existing heelishness could come in handy for Cody.
A union together could launch Theory into a main event status due to his proximity to Rhodes, there is a storyline thread linking the pair.
Much like Cody in the Stardust era, Theory has continued to do whatever is asked of him but his potential remains unexplored.
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6. Ricky Saints
Ricky Saints has been in NXT for less than four months and has already captured the NXT North American Championship and started fiery feuds.
However since his arrival in WWE, he has been positioned as a babyface character which has been enjoyable, although Saints really shines when he’s being bad as seen during his AEW run.
Able to join Cody Rhodes in a partnership (with the pair being real life friends), their banter could also serve to amp up Rhodes’ heel persona.
Having Saints serve as the slick mouthpiece for the group, he could get away with being much meaner without sounding inauthentic or scripted.
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5. Aleister Black
Since returning to WWE, Aleister Black has been a threatening figure but has yet to engage in any substantive feuds.
However, if Cody were looking to assemble his own band of dark crusaders, Aleister Black would be a great pick.
With the potential for the pair to do some significant damage in WWE aligned as a heelish force- there would also be a likely case to be made for their actions being rooted in righteousness.
Able to weave together rationale for their dastardly ways, the alliance could remain fan favorites even while technically being a little bit evil.
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4. Ethan Page
Since joining NXT, “All Ego” Ethan Page has been able to demonstrate his exceptional character work and in-ring skills.
Capturing the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship since arriving in May 2024 – it certainly seems he could be poised to be drafted to the main roster in the upcoming WWE Draft 2025.
Definitely a character that Cody Rhodes should look to if he were assembling a heel faction, Page brings not only veteran in-ring abilities but the quick wit necessary to pull off true heelishness.
Being able to rile up the crowd, Page could definitely add an obnoxious element to Rhodes’ stable that could drive fans bonkers.
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3. The Culling
Rather than establishing an entirely new faction, it might make the most sense for Cody to recruit a group that is already working well as a unit.
Enter old pal Shawn Spears – who happens to currently lead The Culling faction on NXT consisting of Niko Vance and Izzi Dame.
With Cody picking up the entire squad as backup, the size of Vance, the craftiness of Dame and the veteran presence of Spears would make for a threatening alliance.
Given the long history between Shawn Spears and Cody Rhodes – sometimes the best move is the most obvious.
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2. Karrion Kross
If Cody Rhodes wanted to really shake things up with a new faction – he could recruit Karrion Kross as the perfect partner in chaos.
Of late, Kross has been gaining popularity with fans and it seems that Triple H has taken notice as his character continues to see more camera time.
Now being confirmed for a match against Sami Zayn at Night of Champions, Kross’ manipulative and dastardly persona could certainly fit into any dark Cody agenda.
Choosing to align with Kross would also pave the way for a very compelling future feud when the pair undoubtedly turn on one another in the end!
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1. The Creed Brothers
Brutus and Julius Creed continue to impress on the main roster under the tutelage of Chad Gable on WWE Raw.
However with Gable and the El Grande Americano character taking center stage for much of the group’s TV time – The Creed Brothers may be better utilized taking their American Made talents elsewhere.
Joining Rhodes’ squad of American Nightmares could be the perfect place for them to finally capture tag team gold, something that has alluded them thus far on the main roster.
While the pair are certainly stand outs already, their popularity could seemingly skyrocket if they were to join forces with Cody.
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