WWE Champion Cody Rhodes may need to put together a faction of likeminded individuals to watch his back on SmackDown.
While the prospect of a dark version of Cody Rhodes seems unlikely but perhaps with a group of more dastardly heels around him – a new version of Rhodes might emerge.
Here are eight WWE stars that could become members of a heel Cody Rhodes faction.
8. Ricky Saints
A potential call-up from WWE NXT to the main roster to join a Cody Rhodes heel faction could be Ricky Saints.
While Saints has been primarily presented as a babyface since his arrival in NXT, he could conceivably rebrand into a heel on the main roster.
Able to eviscerate opponents with his skills in verbal exchanges, Saints has already proven himself to be a tough physical opponent as well.
Although it seems Saints is still poised to do big things in NXT – potentially next challenging Oba Femi for the NXT Championship – he could still find a future with Rhodes on the main roster.
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7. Randy Orton
Randy Orton has been seemingly enjoying his recent run in WWE as a fan favorite babyface.
While audiences worldwide are thrilled to see him, they intriguingly seem even more thrilled during moments that he shows a glimpse of his former heel character.
Still striking fear into hearts with his ability to pop-up and attack quite literally out of nowhere, an unhinged version of Randy Orton could be a powerful weapon at Rhodes’ disposal.
Perhaps if aligned with a righteous mission, Rhodes and Orton could demonstrate more of a heroic capacity to break rules in order to seek justice in lieu of being downright dastardly.
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6. Creed Brothers
A WWE tag team that would be a great fit with Cody Rhodes are the Creed Brothers – Julius and Brutus Creed.
With their current characters in American Made seemingly not far off from what a potential stable for a heel Cody Rhodes could be – they certainly are prepared.
With untapped potential yet to be showcased in the ring, the pair definitely have a lot of stories left to tell.
Having already demonstrated that they’re able to take a heel gimmick and run with it – this duo could be an amazing fit.
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5. The Miz
The Miz has earned his stripes as one of the most versatile characters in all of WWE.
Sometimes beloved, sometimes detested – The Miz has been a reliably solid performer for multiple decades.
Whereas the flip from R-Truth to Ron Killings has failed to carry the gravity that it had the potential to – a character shift into a new role for The Miz could be both entertaining and serious.
Taking the opportunity to reimagine his character in his own way for the next chapter of his career, there could be a much more nuanced and intriguing version of The Miz still as yet to be revealed.
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4. Finn Balor
If creating a new heel stable, Cody Rhodes could definitely look to Finn Balor.
While he remains a WWE World Tag Team Champion along with JD McDonagh, there could be a chance that one or both of them might consider joining Rhodes.
With plenty of history with Cody Rhodes, it would make sense for the pair to unite on the dark side should Rhodes go that direction.
Since it seems as though Judgment Day is always one big argument away from falling apart, perhaps the promise of a heel faction led by Rhodes could be the push that Balor needs to depart the group.
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3. Ilja Dragunov
While he may have been absent for quite some time, certainly there is something big set for Ilja Draugnov when he is to return and an alliance with Cody Rhodes would be legendary.
There is speculation that Ilja Dragunov is nearing a return to action after having been absent with injury since September 2024 with a torn ACL.
However when the former WWE NXT Champion does return, he would certainly seem to be poised to take on big challengers on the main roster.
Dragunov is not only able to hold his own in the ring against any opponent, his intensity on the mic makes him a threatening force outside of competition as well.
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2. Pete Dunne
Although he has been notable in the past for having a vicious mean streak, Pete Dunne has been largely unseen as of late.
While the Bruiserweight has been noted as underneath the El Grande Americano mask for at least one appearance as the luchador (in the absence of Chad Gable who is out with injury), the role seems squarely occupied by Ludwig Kaiser.
Perhaps joining up with Cody Rhodes along with his New Catch Republic tag team mate Tyler Bate, Dunne could also fly solo in his dastardly efforts.
Continuing to be a reliable hand both in front of and behind the camera, Dunne would be a great addition to any faction set for WWE TV time.
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1. Chris Jericho
In what is certainly the most random addition to this list – with persistent speculation that Chris Jericho could make a return to WWE in the near future, it is fun to think about.
An alliance in WWE between a dastardly Cody Rhodes and a heel Chris Jericho could be a legendary pairing with the ability to take over the roster.
Bringing together two different generations of excellence, the duo could potentially look to forge a new version of the former Triple H led stable Evolution that featured Ric Flair, Batista and a 22 year old Randy Orton.
Similarly to Cody Rhodes, it would probably be best for business for Chris Jericho to return as a babyface but in the wild world of WWE – you can never say never.
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