10 New Directions For WWE After Backlash 2024
5. Cody Rhodes Getting A Longer Feud
This is a must.
If GUNTHER is the long-term goal for SummerSlam, fine, but Cody Rhodes might not be able to work too many 'one and done' matches like he did vs. AJ Styles over in France before then. Put it this way: If Rhodes is matched up against different exhibition foes at King & Queen Of The Ring, Clash At The Castle and MITB, it'll be overkill.
Roman Reigns did work several one off matches during his epic run as champ, but he had a broader story to tell with The Bloodline and all that 'Tribal Chief' chat. Cody doesn't really have that. His title reign will hinge on the quality of his matches and the stories he tells when working with various rivals.
WWE has to recognise that and drum up something meaningful for Rhodes to do on the road to SummerSlam. For example, sticking him in a three month rivalry pre-GUNTHER is perfectly acceptable. It just has to start imminently and have some sort of killer story arc behind it.