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Former WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes made his much-anticipated return to World Wrestling Entertainment at the 39th edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event 2025 and saved Jey Uso from John Cena’s attack in the main event.
Since returning to the WWE, Rhodes has been on a roll. He captured his first major victory since his return at the 2025 Money in the Bank event in a tag team bout, pinning John Cena and establishing his name at the top of the mountain.
Interestingly, the company recently announced the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, and the 39-year-old superstar is advertised to compete in the qualifier to capture a title shot at SummerSlam and the grand crown.
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The 39-year-old star is currently one of the top choices for winning the KOTR. However, in this listicle, we will take a look at three reasons why the American Nightmare must not win the tournament:
#3. Cody Rhodes already has a title shot
The American Nightmare had a tremendous Undisputed WWE Championship reign before he lost his title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. Moreover, Rhodes pinned the Last Real Champion at the 2025 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, establishing him as a true number-one contender for the gold strap against Cena down the line.
Cody Rhodes doesn’t need to contend for the 2025 King of the Ring tournament to seal a championship shot for himself; instead, he could leave the spot for someone else to capture the win and go after the World Heavyweight Championship. Meanwhile, Rhodes might compete in a rematch against John Cena at SummerSlam.
#2. The American Nightmare winning is a predictable plot
Cody Rhodes has been a top baby face for the Stamford-based promotion since he made his way back to the World Wrestling Entertainment in 2022. Following his current momentum and storyline against Cena, the 39-year-old superstar competing in the King of the Ring tournament almost spoils the plot that he would win and challenge the Last Real Champion for a much-anticipated rematch.
Moreover, Cody Rhodes winning the tournament is indeed predictable and deters the factor of excitement for the annual showdown. WWE should remove him from the contest and replace him with other names to maintain the suspense factor.
#1. Sami Zayn has a better story
Sami Zayn punched his ticket to the semi-finals for the 2025 King of the Ring tournament this week on RAW. The Honorary Uce should win the tournament as well, as he has been cooking a storyline with Karrion Kross, where he has proclaimed that he can become World Heavyweight Champion, without embracing the dark side, as Kross vows that evil Zayn is the real deal.
Zayn should win the KOTR tournament and start a feud against Karrion Kross; later, the world title could be included. This storyline could be a major attraction, as Zayn and Kross are massive fan favorites.
