5 dream opponents for former AEW star Cody Rhodes in WWE

Cody Rhodes has officially left AEW, and while the dust has hardly settled, speculation has already arisen about a jump to WWE.

Rhodes initially began at the company in 2006 as a developmental wrestler and made his television debut in 2007. He was booked as a prodigy from the start because of his second generational wrestler status.

Cody enjoyed a handful of title reigns and had many different gimmicks. Unfortunately, the star requested his release in 2016 and parted ways with WWE. Rhodes would then embark on a long journey to the Independent Circuit along with IMPACT Wrestling and NJPW.

The American Nightmare eventually left NJPW to become a founding member of AEW. Cody was the first 2-time Champion in the history of All Elite Wrestling and put many wrestlers over. If Rhodes joined WWE, who would he face first? Names like Roman Reigns pop up, but Cody has far more history than other stars.

This list will dive into some wrestlers that Cody Rhodes could have dream matches with WWE.

5. Drew McIntyre might have walked a similar path as Cody Rhodes

If Rhodes does jump to WWE, he'd have walked a very similar path to former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.

McIntyre was released from WWE in 2014, and while it was a blow for the Scottish wrestler, he took a few steps back instead. McIntyre would then take a long journey through the Independent Circuit and TNA/IMPACT.

An interesting angle could be built around the journeys of both stars from and back to WWE. Drew carried WWE amid the pandemic and is seen as a hero by fans. The AEW crowd booed Rhodes, which could likely continue, leading to a classic hero vs villain story.

4. Edge has enjoyed a spectacular comeback and could be a great opponent

The Rated-R Superstar shocked the world in 2020 by making a comeback at Royal Rumble. Since then, the star has flirted with the idea of another World Championship run but has been unsuccessful so far.

Having Edge face Cody Rhodes upon his return could lead to some exciting matches. The Ultimate Opportunist has been looking to top off his final run with some great matches. While Rhodes was mainly a mid-carder in WWE, he has since changed his reputation considerably.

3. Rey Mysterio could continue his feud with Rhodes

During a regular match on SmackDown in 2014, Cody Rhodes faced Rey Mysterio. At this stage, Rhodes was still under his "Dashing" gimmick. Unfortunately for the young superstar, Mysterio would accidentally break his nose during a 619 attempt.

This single moment would lead to the "Shattered" Cody gimmick. The two went on to face each other at WrestleMania 27. Mysterio took the loss, putting the star over as he developed.

Rhodes picking up this feud against a much older and wiser Mysterio would be interesting. Cody has come a long way from his WWE days, and the match could go very differently.

2. Seth Rollins took many shots at AEW while Rhodes was still signed to them

Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes walked similar paths as well. Both wrestlers were the biggest babyfaces on the brand until fans turned on them. Rollins capitalized on this and became one of the hottest heels in WWE. However, Rhodes tried to push on as a babyface amidst the boos.

In 2019, Rollins would take a jab at AEW, calling them the "minor leagues." Rhodes didn't respond in a mean-spirited way. However, a storyline could be built around this. Rollins could chastise Cody for spending so much time in the "minor leagues," leading to a confrontation and feud.

1. Randy Orton and Rhodes have a lot of history together

Cody Rhodes got his big break in WWE when he wrestled alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. as Legacy. The stable was formed between the multi-generational wrestlers and put Randy in a leadership role.

The stable didn't last and the trio soon turned on each other. This would be the best feud to lead with if Cody Rhodes jumps to WWE. The history and storytelling between the two would elevate Rhodes and remind fans who The Viper really is.