3 clear signs from WWE that Cody Rhodes will turn into a heel this year

Cody Rhodes is the current undisputed WWE Champion and is scheduled to defend the title against Drew McIntyre next week. It’s now official that Rhodes vs. McIntyre will be a Three Stages of Hell match.

During this week’s SmackDown, McIntyre revealed the stipulations, which included a regular wrestling match, a Falls Count Anywhere match, and a Steel Cage match. Additionally, the show featured the return of Randy Orton, who faced The American Nightmare and challenged him to a future world title match.

Meanwhile, it appears that WWE has given hints about Cody Rhodes turning heel. In this article, let’s take a look at three signs that Rhodes could turn into someone hated this year.

#3. Nick Aldis’ constant threat to strip him of his title

Ever since Nick Aldis brought Drew McIntyre back to SmackDown, he has continued to warn Cody Rhodes and threaten to strip him of his championship. When the national treasure spoke to the Scottish fighter, he accepted all of his conditions, including that if Rhodes physically attacked him, he would be stripped of the title.

Without any discussion with American Nightmare, Aldis accepted McIntyre’s terms. These forced National Treasure regulations could turn Cody into a bad star soon, and this seems to point to his next heel turn.

#2. Randy Orton and Sami Zayn declare war on him

After his return on the first episode of SmackDown 2026, Randy Orton faced The American Nightmare and issued a challenge for the Undisputed Title. In addition, Sami Zayn has made clear his intention to become the world champion this year.

It’s important to point out that both Sammy and Orton are popular superstars, and if WWE plans to have these two feud with Cody Rhodes, they might turn him into an abomination.

#1. His pent-up aggression on WWE SmackDown

Due to Nick Aldis’ orders, Cody Rhodes failed to respond to the Scottish Warrior’s actions. Since his return, Rhodes has repeatedly been provoked by McIntyre, making their feud even more personal.

Given this, the pent-up aggression of the undisputed WWE Champion, the Stamford-based promotion seems to be signaling a bad turn for Rhodes. This aggression will turn into frustration and eventually turn him into an evil star.

Rest, it remains to be seen how things will develop for Cody Rhodes in the coming weeks and whether he will be able to retain his title against McIntyre in the face of the Three Stages of Hell.