Cody Rhodes Faces Challenges Ahead of Clash in Italy 2026 Title Defense
4 Clear signs Cody Rhodes is losing his Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy 2026
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Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, may lose his title at Clash in Italy 2026 due to several factors. These include the anticipated return of Randy Orton, Gunther's undefeated streak, and his recent move to the SmackDown brand, all suggesting a shift in championship dynamics.
- 01Randy Orton's return could set the stage for a feud with Cody Rhodes, impacting his title defense.
- 02Gunther's undefeated streak enhances his credibility as a contender for the Undisputed Championship.
- 03WWE's booking decisions indicate that a match between Rhodes and Roman Reigns is unlikely at Crown Jewel 2026.
- 04Gunther's recent move to SmackDown suggests a focused push towards the Undisputed Championship.
- 05The Clash in Italy event on May 31, 2026, could be pivotal for Rhodes' title reign.
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Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, is facing significant challenges as he prepares for his title defense against Gunther at the upcoming Clash in Italy 2026, scheduled for May 31 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. One of the most pressing concerns is the imminent return of Randy Orton, who has a longstanding feud with Rhodes. Reports indicate that Orton is set to appear on the May 29 episode of SmackDown, potentially setting up a non-title rivalry that could lead to Rhodes losing his championship.
Additionally, Gunther's impressive undefeated streak, which includes victories over notable wrestlers like Goldberg and John Cena, positions him as a formidable challenger. WWE seems to be capitalizing on Gunther's momentum, further suggesting that Rhodes may drop the title at Clash in Italy. Furthermore, the likelihood of a match between Rhodes and Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2026 appears slim, as WWE may want to preserve that encounter for a future event. Gunther's recent transition to the SmackDown brand only strengthens the narrative that he is being groomed for a championship run, making Rhodes' title defense even more precarious.
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