3 reasons why Cody Rhodes needs to retain at WWE SummerSlam

Cody Rhodes will face one of his toughest challenges as Undisputed WWE Champion when he takes on The New Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa, at SummerSlam next week. Sikoa has been unstoppable with his new allies in The Bloodline, the Tongan brothers, and Jacob Fatu.

Sikoa has vowed to bring back the championship to The Bloodline following Roman Reigns' loss to The American Nightmare at WrestleMania XL. However, when the dust settles, Rhodes must emerge victorious at The Biggest Party of the Summer.

On that note, let's delve into three reasons why Cody Rhodes has to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.

---

#3. Solo Sikoa is not ready to win the Undisputed WWE Championship

Solo Sikoa has truly come a long way. A few months ago, he was Roman Reigns' Enforcer, used as fodder during the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion's title feuds. In the wake of Reigns' defeat at 'Mania, he has risen to the occasion and assumed the role of the new Tribal Chief.

The former NXT North American Champion's promo work has improved considerably, adding a touch of personality to his previously bland character. The addition of Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Fatu to his squad has only strengthened him.

However, Sikoa may not be quite ready to hold the top prize already. He still has an underwhelming win-loss record in 2024, and Fatu has frankly generated more interest than the new Tribal Chief has.

His aura needs to be further enhanced as Sikoa adds more victories and accolades to his name. Unfortunately, it is too soon to put the world championship on him.

Cody Rhodes, on the other hand, has not only done a great job as champion but also has a natural and genuine connection with the fans, which makes him a prime candidate to have a long Undisputed WWE Championship reign.

---

#2. Cody Rhodes needs to win and close the door on his rivalry with The Bloodline

Cody Rhodes has been embroiled in a never-ending war with The Bloodline, which supposedly ended with his awe-inspiring win over Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania XL Night Two.

Unfortunately, Sikoa had plans to bring the title back to The Bloodline. Therefore, the new Tribal Chief decided to target The American Nightmare, depriving him of allies, i.e. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, while making his claim.

Rhodes needs to close the door on this iconic saga. The Bloodline has cast an enormous shadow over The American Nightmare's story in the last two years, and the time is right to create a better sequel.

With Sikoa in the rear-view mirror, Rhodes can move onto fresh challengers and embark on different narratives. However, if the 31-year-old wins, the feud will be unnecessarily prolonged and fans may eventually lose interest.

---

#1. Cody Rhodes needs the title more as the top babyface of the company

When Cody Rhodes won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Reigns at The Show of Shows, it was a historic moment because The American Nightmare was to lead the company into a new era.

Rhodes' reign recently crossed the hundred-day mark, and his massive win over Roman would be severely undermined if he were to lose the title as early as SummerSlam. It would weaken his claim as the top babyface and poster boy of the current era.

A win over a formidable Solo Sikoa would legitimize his reign, and silence the critics. Not to mention, Rhodes could move onto newer opponents, like Randy Orton, which would further enhance the quality of his reign.