WHO EMERGES AS THE ULTIMATE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESSOR IF CODY RHODES VACATES?
Cody Rhodes stands tall as Undisputed WWE Champion after WrestleMania 42. We explore potential successors and the title's future path.
Cody Rhodes has reclaimed the spotlight in WWE, standing tall once again as the Undisputed WWE Champion after a demanding run at the top.
Yet, in pro wrestling, momentum can shift in the blink of an eye. After the beating he took post-WrestleMania 42 and the physical grind of recent matches, there’s been a quiet buzz about what might happen if he can’t defend the title.
Over the last day, Sportskeeda dug into this very scenario. While nothing official is hinting that Rhodes will give up the championship, the mere talk underlines just how unpredictable the main event scene feels right now.
If WWE had to name a new champion out of the blue, a handful of names would quickly come to mind.
CM Punk stands out thanks to his undeniable credibility.
CM Punk remains one of the roster’s most captivating figures. His comeback changed the game, and his latest performances reminded everyone why he once ruled the world title scene. If Rhodes had to step away, Punk wouldn’t need much buildup to step into that spotlight.
What makes him compelling is the fire he brings to every feud. His presence alone raises the stakes instantly.
If the title became vacant, you’d want someone who already carries that larger-than-life vibe. Punk fits perfectly. He brings history, edge, and a reputation that commands attention from the moment his music hits.
Oba Femi could signal a bold new path.
Oba Femi isn’t the conventional choice, but that’s exactly why his name draws interest. Over the past year, he’s steadily become one of the hottest rising stars. His blend of strength and agility turns heads, and WWE has shown faith by giving him meaningful opportunities.
Putting Femi at the top would mean WWE is serious about building the future now. It wouldn’t be the safe route, more like a statement.
When WWE has surprised fans before, it often changed the product’s direction for months. Femi winning the title would inject fresh energy and open up matchups fans haven’t seen before.
Drew McIntyre would bring steadiness and proven leadership.
Drew McIntyre knows the pressure of carrying a championship. He has been the face of the company and understands what it means to hold down the fort. His past title runs made him a reliable main event presence.
If the belt became vacant, McIntyre would be the steady hand you could count on. He consistently delivers solid matches and brings a serious tone to his feuds.
There’s no adjustment period with him. He knows how to make big matches feel important and keep momentum through major live events. In uncertain times, that familiarity can be a real asset.
LA Knight offers an undeniable crowd connection.
Few talents generate buzz the way LA Knight does. His knack for reading and commanding a crowd has turned him into one of WWE’s fan favourites. Wherever he goes, the chants follow, and over the past year, WWE has steadily raised his profile.
Giving Knight the championship might feel like a win for fans who have organically pushed for him. He feeds off the energy, which could translate to strong TV segments and headline matches.
Some might wonder if he’s been consistently given top-tier positioning, but his upward momentum suggests he’s closer than many realise. A vacancy could be the break he needs.
Randy Orton remains the safest, most complete choice.
Randy Orton often leads this conversation for a good reason. His legacy stands tall with multiple world titles, decades in main events, and an ability to evolve across generations that makes him a dependable choice.
His recent encounters with Rhodes add depth here. There’s history and tension that make a quick pivot believable.
If needed, Orton could slide back into the championship picture without causing a storyline stretch. He naturally carries prestige. When he holds a world title, it carries real weight. That kind of aura can’t be faked.
Why this discussion is relevant now
The idea of Cody Rhodes giving up the championship is still just speculation. But the fact that credible contenders immediately come to mind speaks volumes about WWE’s current landscape at the top.
Each possible successor suggests a different direction.
Choosing Punk would lean into star appeal and instant buzz. Picking Femi focuses on future potential. McIntyre would bring calm and dependability. Knight represents organic fan momentum. Orton preserves tradition and credibility.
These aren’t just interchangeable options. Each path would shift storylines, rivalries, and pay-per-view plans for the foreseeable future. That’s why this kind of debate holds weight. Titles in WWE aren’t just props; they help define entire eras.
Right now, Rhodes still holds the belt. Until something official changes, he remains The American Nightmare.
But wrestling is all about unpredictability. Injuries, surprises, and storyline twists can flip everything upside down at any moment.
THE BACKSTAGE FAREWELL: WHY WWE STARS ARE SAYING GOODBYE TO LEGEND ASUKA
IYO SKY and Charlotte Flair lead tributes to Asuka as reports surface that the Empress of Tomorrow is stepping back from WWE.
Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer reported that Asuka was saying her goodbyes backstage, and right now, people are calling her "semi-retired". What that actually means is still up in the air. Nobody really knows if Asuka plans to stick around WWE for occasional special matches or if she’ll head back to Japan and keep wrestling there.
“The story I heard is that she is semi-retired,” Meltzer explained, according to WrestlePurists. “I haven’t really gotten an exact definition of 'semi-retired', but I guess people were wishing her farewell backstage.”
He also said, “I don’t know if she’s wrestling in Japan; I don’t know if she’ll do things here and there, but semi-retired is what I was told.”
Asuka’s journey with WWE started in 2015, kicking off in NXT. She wasn’t just another face; she became the longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion ever, holding that title for 510 days, and went on an unreal 914-day winning streak. Over the years, she racked up five WWE Women’s World Championships and five WWE Women’s Tag Team titles and picked up big accolades like Money in the Bank and the Royal Rumble.
WWE even ranked her as the fifth greatest female Superstar of all time, just behind Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Chyna, according to Fightful.
After WWE Backlash, IYO SKY posted an emotional message to Asuka on X (formerly Twitter) after defeating her at the event. She wrote about how much it meant to share the ring and learn from Asuka, calling it an “irreplaceable treasure", and thanked Asuka for everything. That post, along with the photos she shared, only fuelled more talk about Asuka’s possible retirement.
SKY, who’s become one of the most popular and respected wrestlers on the WWE roster over the last couple of years, isn’t alone in showing love for Asuka. After the backlash, stars like Bayley, Natalya, and Charlotte Flair also thanked Asuka for everything she’s done for the business. At 44, Asuka’s impact is impossible to ignore.
BEYOND GUNTHER: ANALYZING THE FOUR POWERHOUSES DESTINED TO LEAD WWE RAW NEXT YEAR
Discover the four WWE superstars, including Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu, ready to lead Monday Night Raw into a post-Gunther era.
For the last few years, WWE Raw has pretty much belonged to Gunther. He dominated by sticking to his guns, hard work, no-nonsense wrestling, and that old-school fire. When his music hits, you can feel the tone shift. It’s hard to find that kind of presence. You don’t just swap him out and expect things to stay the same.
But that’s the thing about Raw. It never just sits still. The show keeps turning over stories' twists, rosters shuffle, and sooner or later, new faces get their shot. If there ever comes a time to find someone new to lead the red brand, there are four guys who look ready to take over. Each brings something different to the table, and you’d feel it right away.
Jacob Fatu could steal the spotlight.
Jacob Fatu’s the first name that jumps out. When he hits the ring, you notice. He just has that look, as he belongs in the big moments. The guy’s got a rare mix of speed and brute power; other heavyweights struggle to keep up.
Lately, he’s been right in the thick of things, getting involved with some of the top storylines on Raw and even rubbing shoulders with Roman Reigns. That’s not by accident; management doesn’t give you those spots unless they see something real. It means they’re thinking long-term with Fatu.
What makes him stand out is the energy. He’s this controlled, dangerous wrecking ball, but he knows when to push and when to hold back. If Raw needs a new anchor, someone to build around in title matches and feuds, Fatu slides into that role and makes it feel natural.
He’s not a finished product yet, and that’s a good thing. There’s room for him to grow, tell deeper stories, and really connect with the crowd. He’s got that spark fans latch onto because he never looks fake or forced.
Oba Femi brings something new.
Then there’s Oba Femi. For a new guy, he commands respect. From the jump, he’s looked like a real contender, strong in the ring, confident on the mic, and totally believable even against the veterans.
What sets Femi apart is his calm. A lot of new stars go for flash, but he’s got real presence. He can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the locker room, which is huge if you’re thinking about someone fresh at the top.
Give him a real push and let him be his own kind of dominant. Don’t make him copy Gunther; let him be the force that shakes things up. If WWE puts energy into him, fans will feel it. They tend to back new stars who earn it.
Bron Breakker is the natural choice.
Number one, though? That’s Bron Breakker. He just checks all the boxes: famous family, athletic as hell, and already tested in big matches. If you want someone ready right now, it’s him.
He’s shown he can handle main event pressure. He hits hard, he moves quickly, and he’s comfortable being the centre of attention. When he’s on TV, the pace just picks up. People pay attention.
And people already know him. They’ve seen him grind through NXT and now main roster battles. That history helps. If he ends up carrying Raw after Gunther, it’ll feel right.
Replacing someone like Gunther won’t be easy. People will compare. Expectations will be sky-high. But Breakker has the charisma, the intensity, and the experience to pull it off.
In the end, Raw works best when it changes without losing its soul. Whether it’s Fatu’s wild energy, Femi’s fresh vibe, or Breakker’s complete package, these guys are ready for the spotlight.
When the time comes to pass the torch, Raw won’t shrink. It’ll just reinvent itself once again with these names leading the charge.
