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WWE SNME Fallout: 5 Opponents for Cody Rhodes' Next WWE Title Defense

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 14:07 GMT by sportsnaut.com

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Cody Rhodes Faces a Roster of Surprising Opponents at Survivor Series 2024

The highly anticipated Survivor Series card is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, largely because of the mystery surrounding Cody Rhodes’s next big match. After a spectacular return to the WWE ring earlier this year, Rhodes has already been linked to a potential cross‑brand clash that could redefine the event’s dynamics. The SportsNaut feature “Survivor Series: Potential Opponents for Cody Rhodes” dives deep into the speculation, pulling together WWE’s evolving brand structure, match formats, and the talent pool to outline who could stand in the way of Rhodes’s ambition to claim the title.

The 5‑on‑5 Survivor Series Match: A New Era

For the first time since the 2019 revamp, WWE’s Survivor Series has opted for a 5‑on‑5 format—five men versus five men—rather than the traditional brand‑split, 10‑on‑10 battle. This change brings a fresh intensity to the event, giving each superstar a greater chance to shine. According to SportsNaut, the match will likely pit Raw’s top talent against SmackDown’s, with Cody Rhodes slated to be a key figure on SmackDown’s roster. The article confirms that Rhodes, who has been a marquee name on SmackDown since his last WrestleMania appearance, will most probably headline the SmackDown side of the match.

Who Could Rhodes Face?

The article carefully lists the roster that could make up the opposing team. These are split into two categories: the men who will most likely face Rhodes and the “wildcard” opponents that could be added for surprise.

1. The Straight‑Shooter Opponents

• Bobby Lashley – Having recently taken the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Lashley’s presence in the SmackDown roster makes him a prime candidate for a direct rivalry with Rhodes. The article notes that both wrestlers have a shared history from the NXT days, which adds an extra layer of personal stakes.

• Sheamus – As the stalwart “Celtic Warrior,” Sheamus’s role as a veteran in the SmackDown locker room makes him a natural pick for a team that wants to balance experience with grit. SportsNaut highlights Sheamus’s recent push in tag team and singles action as evidence that he is being groomed for a big moment.

• Randy Orton – With his return to SmackDown in early 2024, Orton is positioned as a main event contender. Rhodes’s ambition to top the roster would naturally bring him into a direct confrontation with the “Viper,” and the article speculates that a match between the two could be one of the event’s key highlights.

2. The Dark Horse Threats

• AJ Styles – Though currently aligned with Raw, the article cites an earlier interview with Styles in which he hinted at a potential brand transfer. A showdown between Styles and Rhodes would be a dream for WWE fans, blending two of the company’s most technically sound performers.

• Finn Bálor – Known for his versatility, Bálor could be pulled to SmackDown for a more balanced 5‑on‑5 team. The article notes Bálor’s past collaborations with Rhodes in tag matches, adding an element of familiarity to the potential confrontation.

• Seth Rollins – As a high‑flying veteran who has bounced between brands, Rollins is the type of “wildcard” that could be used to keep the audience guessing. SportsNaut notes that Rollins has publicly expressed interest in a feud with Rhodes, which could signal a brand shift.

3. Women’s Match – A Different Stage

The article also covers the women’s 5‑on‑5 match, which could see Rhodes indirectly involved if he is assigned to a team that includes women who will face off in an interbrand showdown. The link to the WWE Women’s Survivor Series card is provided, and the article highlights possible matchups that involve stars such as Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks—all potential opponents for Rhodes’s team through a tag or singles confrontation.

Cross‑Brand Storylines and The “SmackDown vs. Raw” Narrative

An important part of the article is its exploration of how the Survivor Series match can serve as a catalyst for brand realignment. The SmackDown and Raw divisions have been evolving since the 2023 brand split, with cross‑overs becoming more frequent. SportsNaut emphasizes that a match featuring Rhodes against a Raw superstar (like AJ Styles or Seth Rollins) would not only boost ratings but also deepen the “SmackDown vs. Raw” storyline that WWE has been building all season.

Furthermore, the article points out that the Survivor Series match is not purely a single elimination bout; it’s a team effort where each member’s performance can shift the momentum. The strategic pairing of Rhodes with the best talents in SmackDown could either lead to an unexpected upset or reinforce his dominance. The article quotes WWE creative chief, who has said that “Survivor Series is a platform where storylines can change at the drop of a bell.”

What the WWE Universe Can Expect

The article concludes by offering a forward‑looking perspective, based on the current booking trends and fan reactions. According to SportsNaut:

• The Match’s Structure: With five competitors on each side, the match is likely to see a mix of high‑flight moves, hard‑hitting strikes, and psychological tactics. Rhodes’s blend of charisma and athleticism will set the tone for his team.

• Potential Surprises: WWE’s history of unexpected title changes at Survivor Series suggests that even if Rhodes is on the SmackDown side, the event could still deliver a surprise by shifting a title on the night.

• Impact on Future Storylines: A win for Rhodes’s team could elevate him to a top‑tier status, potentially setting up a championship match at the next pay‑per‑view. Conversely, a loss might prompt a brand move or a feud with the rival team’s leader.

Final Thoughts

Cody Rhodes’s Survivor Series journey is poised to be one of the most talked‑about segments of the event. SportsNaut’s thorough examination of possible opponents, combined with the broader context of WWE’s brand strategies, provides fans with a clear roadmap of what to anticipate. Whether Rhodes is facing Bobby Lashley, Sheamus, or a surprise pick like AJ Styles or Seth Rollins, the 5‑on‑5 format promises a high‑stakes battle that could redefine the WWE landscape for months to come.