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The entire pro-wrestling industry is in shock after hearing the news of Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi Rhodes leaving AEW. Since the launch of AEW in 2019, Rhodes has been delivering scorching promos and pulling off excellent matches, contributing significantly to the success of the company.
Along with Tony Khan, Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, Cody and Brandi Rhodes have made AEW the brand that it is today.
However, the Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling has left the company, and fans have started speculating about his return to WWE.
During his monotonous WWE run, he was squashed by many superstars and was treated like a jobber. Cody Rhodes left WWE in May 2016 due to stagnant bookings and joined another promotion.
He elevated his career after leaving WWE and is now the biggest free agent in the pro-wrestling world. He has gained incredible success on the independent scene and won various championships.
It will be interesting to see how WWE books Cody if he returns to the company after over six years.
There are plenty of exciting potential matchups for Rhodes in WWE, and in this article, we look at five Superstars Cody Rhodes has never faced before.
#5. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura's immense popularity forced WWE to sign him in 2016.
That same year, Rhodes left WWE to resume his wrestling career by joining the independent scene. With Rhodes returning to WWE, it would be great to see him ignite a legendary feud with the King of Strong Style.
The two have never collided before and therefore, this is indeed a potential dream matchup.
#4. Finn Balor
Finn Balor is one of the most charismatic stars in WWE right now. He has been a Universal Champion, two-time NXT champion and two-time Intercontinental Champion.
If Cody Rhodes returns to WWE, the two could have a magnificent feud down the road. Both these superstars have made significant names for themselves in NJPW.
Fans would love to see a showdown between The Demon and The American Nightmare in the near future.
#3. AJ Styles
While Rhodes was getting squashed in WWE, AJ Styles was in his prime years, winning championships at TNA and ROH.
Rhodes is rumored to be returning to WWE, so a face-off between the two athletes is inevitable. The promo war between the two veterans would be a delight to watch for the WWE Universe.
In a recent interview with Wrestling Inc., AJ Styles called out Cody Rhodes for the rumors about his return to WWE at the 2022 Royal Rumble.
#2. Gunther
Gunther, previously named Walter, is currently ruling WWE's NXT 2.0 division. He is known for his stiff and hard-hitting matches.
Cody Rhodes is also known to be one of the best sellers in pro wrestling. The American Nightmare has always shown interest in taking a hit or executing big spots.
During a recent AEW Dynamite episode, Rhodes took a shot at WWE renaming Walter as Gunther.
Cody Rhodes vs Gunther could be one of the most anticipated matches in WWE as the latter has the ability to narrate noteworthy stories via his matches.
#1. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has been dominating the entire WWE locker room since his 2012 return. The Next Big Thing has been winning championships frequently.
With Cody signing with WWE, Lesnar would be the perfect first opponent for him. It will be a high-profile match as Rhodes has been a top star in AEW.
If WWE books this match, it will be interesting to see whether Cody gets smashed by Lesnar or whether he can secure a victory in a hard fought battle.
