Cody Rhodes WWE WrestleMania 43 Opponent

Published: 3 seconds ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 seconds ago by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now residing in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling enthusiast who has covered the industry for more than nine years as a podcast host and writer. His dedication has produced over 3,000 YouTube videos and 8,000 printed articles across outlets such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated, and others.

@TruHeelSP3

WWE

Over the past four years, Cody Rhodes has headlined every four consecutive WrestleMania events. From his intense battles with Roman Reigns to recent encounters with John Cena and Randy Orton, “The American Nightmare” has solidified his status as a premier wrestler ready to dominate Mania‑time fixtures.

Each appearance has positioned Rhodes at the center of the biggest stage—whether for championship glory or simply to finish the scoreboard. As the Saudi Arabian host city prepares for WrestleMania 43, the matchup possibilities have taken shape.

### 7. CM Punk

At WWE SummerSlam 2026 (Night One), CM Punk dethroned Cody Rhodes to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship, aided by a controversial backstage interference by Randy Orton. Though Punk publicly remained disappointed with that pathway, he later extended a formal challenge to Rhodes, hinting that competition for future title opportunities may intensify. If true, a clash could materialize at WrestleMania 43 next year, with the crowd demanding a decisive showdown.

### 6. GUNTHER

The feud between Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER has persisted for several months, revolving around the Undisputed WWE Championship. After Rhaches lost the title to Sami Zayn at No Champions, GUNTHER faced legal action and was temporarily removed from the bout, allowing CM Punk to capture the belt. While Rhades secured a subsequent rematch and GUNTHER later confronted Nick Aldis at SummerSlam, both competitors remain integral to the SmackDown main‑event rotation. A scheduled encounter could provide a cathartic settlement to their longstanding rivalry, potentially culminating on the grandest stage in April.

### 5. Sami Zayn

At Night of Champions 2026, Sami Zayn triumphed over Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER to claim the Undisposed WWE Championship. The escalating animosity between Rhodes and Zayn has drawn on broken friendships and Zayn’s fixation on the title spotlight. With Austerlaria hosting WrestleMania 43, Zayn appears poised to deliver a definitive ending to their feud before the full force of WWE fans arrive.

### 4. Trick Williams

Since his rise on Friday Night SmackDown, Trick Williams has quickly become a fan favourite, engaging directly with Cody Rhodes during on‑air exchanges. Refusing to show fear, Williams emphasized his determination to climb the ladder despite any opposition. A debut main‑event clash against Rhodes at WrestleMania 43 would offer exciting veteran‑veteran chemistry and showcase emerging stars on the arena’s biggest platform.

### 3. Oba Femi

Oba Femi stands out as one of WWE’s most dynamic talents, having already defeated Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 and secured a main‑roster debut against former champion Cody Rhodes at the December 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event. When that initial match ended in a no‑contest, analysts point to Femi’s continued dominance and suggest he aims to add yet another high‑profile bout against Rhodes at WrestleMania 43.

### 2. Roman Reigns

Earlier rumors linked WrestleMania 42 to a possible rematch between Rhodes and Reigns, a narrative that heated after their 2024 triumph where Rhodes secured the Undisputed WWE Championship. Since then, Rhodes and Reigns have not faced each other for two years. Now, Roman Reigns seeks a definitive test in the center‑piece of WrestleMania 43, viewing Cody Rhodes as the prime challenger to his reign.

### 1. The Rock

The Rock has long been a persistent obstacle for Cody Rhodes, especially during Mania seasons. After a collaborative role in 2024’s “Final Boss” era—and subsequently assisting John Cena toward a title push prior to Mania 41—Rhodes and The Rock converge again at WrestleMania 43, promising a high‑stakes showdown in Saudi Arabia.

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