Cody Rhodes' challenger after The Bloodline, surprise heel turn? - 4 directions for Bobby Lashley when he returns to WWE

WWE is loaded with talent. When it seemed as if they couldn't have any more stars, the promotion seemingly signed the likes of Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer in addition to recent signings such as Ethan Page.

There have also been some stars who have been out of action due to injuries or simply from taking time off. This includes big names such as Roman Reigns, The Rock, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Bobby Lashley.

The All-Mighty was pulled from a match in the King of the Ring Tournament due to an injury while training. In the weeks since then, the big man hasn't appeared on television, nor has there been an update on his status.

While the severity of his injury isn't yet known, Lashley could return to the ring at any time. This article will take a look at a handful of directions for the big man upon returning to television, which includes a heel turn and chasing after championship glory. What might the former ECW Champion do?

Below are four directions for Bobby Lashley when he returns to WWE.

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#4. He could feud with Carmelo Hayes

Carmelo Hayes is one of the brightest young stars in WWE. While on NXT, Melo managed to win multiple titles. This includes both the NXT Championship and the North American Title. He has since been drafted to SmackDown.

Interestingly, Hayes and Lashley had a few interactions before The All-Mighty stepped away from the ring. While they had some positive interactions prior to Carmelo joining WWE SmackDown, once he became a member of the brand, the younger star began speaking disrespectfully to the former World Champion.

Due to Lashley's injury, the two stars haven't been able to go toe-to-toe. When the former World Champion returns, Melo may talk more smack, which could then lead to the two clashing. A feud between the two stars would elevate Carmelo and allow Lashley to show off his power.

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#3. Bobby Lashley could re-energize The Pride

Bobby Lashley has had a few stables in WWE. His most successful was The Hurt Business, which featured Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP. As a group, The Hurt Business captured multiple titles.

His newest faction is The Pride, and this WWE stable has proven to be less successful. Lashley, of course, is the leader, but he is joined by The Street Profits and B-Fab. For a multitude of reasons, the group hasn't quite taken off like any of the competitors had likely hoped.

When Lashley returns, the big man could look to re-energize the group. One way of doing this could be by adding new stars to the faction. A talent such as Odyssey Jones or even MVP could dramatically shake up what the stable is and what it can be.

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#2. He could turn heel

Bobby Lashley is an interesting superstar. Due to his incredible athleticism and power, it is hard not to respect the former WWE Champion. He goes in the ring and beats people up, and that becomes easy to like.

Alternatively, the big man can be a bit of a bully. He has picked on talent smaller than him and has no problem mocking them. This has happened on RAW, SmackDown, and even back on ECW. WWE may have him positioned as a babyface, but sometimes heel tendencies come out.

When The All-Mighty returns to SmackDown, he may channel this personality trait and officially become a heel again. While fans never seem to want to boo Lashley, he is talented enough to potentially turn the crowd against himself for the good of the product.

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#1. Lashley could chase after the Undisputed WWE Championship

Cody Rhodes is the top dog in WWE today. He is the Undisputed WWE Champion, having won the belt in the biggest way possible. Rhodes went one-on-one with Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania and ultimately stood tall.

Since winning the coveted prize, he has defended against Logan Paul and AJ Styles. The American Nightmare is now engaged in a rivalry with The Bloodline, as Solo Sikoa hopes to win his prized World Title. Many expect Sikoa and Rhodes to clash at SummerSlam.

Provided that Rhodes is able to retain his belt against Solo and The Bloodline, he will need a new challenger afterward. This could be where Bobby Lashley steps in. The big man could become Rhodes' next challenger and attempt to dethrone the popular champion. Can Bobby win another World Title or will Cody stand tall?