The marquee matchup for Night of Champions is set with John Cena defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against CM Punk, reigniting a legendary rivalry. However, the one-on-one bout could face a significant alteration, as SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis might be compelled to add a 12-time champion into the mix.
Cody Rhodes, who recently returned at Money in the Bank on June 7, has a compelling case for a championship opportunity. Despite losing the title to a villainous Cena at WrestleMania 41, Rhodes pinned the champion at the subsequent premium live event, a victory that traditionally positions a challenger for a title match. This key victory came just a day after Rhodes and Jey Uso were ambushed by Cena and Logan Paul on the June 6 edition of WWE SmackDown.
Instead of being named the next contender, Rhodes was placed in the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, an announcement made during the Money in the Bank broadcast. His path was set for a first-round fatal four-way match on the June 9 episode of WWE RAW against Andrade, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Damian Priest, marking his first-ever entry into the prestigious tournament.
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This unexpected detour may lead to a direct confrontation with management. A scenario could unfold where an incensed Rhodes confronts Nick Aldis, arguing that his win over Cena gives him a more legitimate claim to a championship match than a spot in the King of the Ring. Citing his credentials, the former eight-time tag team champion could demand his removal from the tournament in exchange for a place in the Night of Champions main event.
Faced with Rhodes’ logical argument and his status as a top star, Aldis could find himself in a difficult position. This could ultimately lead the General Manager to add Rhodes to the Cena vs. Punk showdown, transforming the highly anticipated singles contest into a blockbuster Triple Threat match for the Undisputed WWE Championship in Saudi Arabia. This remains a speculative angle, and the final card is subject to change as Night of Champions approaches.
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