Cody Rhodes to face ex-WWE champion in his first-ever world title match at Bad Blood? Exploring the possibility

Cody Rhodes is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship in the forthcoming SmackDown season premiere in a rematch against Solo Sikoa. However, this time, the match will take place inside a steel cage.

Amid this, there is a belief that The American Nightmare could defend his title against former WWE Champion Jacob Fatu at Bad Blood 2024. A match between Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship was also teased during last week’s episode of SmackDown. The American Nightmare provoked Fatu, urging him to step out of Sikoa's shadow and expressed interest in offering him a title shot. However, Solo was unhappy with this, leading Jacob to step down.

Despite this, a match between Jacob and Cody is still expected to take place if Dusty’s son successfully retains his Undisputed Championship on SmackDown this week. If that happens, Jacob Fatu appears to be the most likely challenger for Bad Blood 2024.

A clash between a Bloodline member and Cody Rhodes at Bad Blood could be an intriguing choice, as it would further escalate tensions within the new Bloodline. Even here, Sikoa might not support Fatu, especially if he loses next week. He could argue that if he can't defeat Rhodes, then The Samoan Werewolf won't be able to either, as he is not superior to the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief.

Jacob Fatu is already a former WWE Tag Team Champion alongside Tama Tonga. However, Solo Sikoa forced him to relinquish that title and awarded it to Tonga Loa, stating that, as his Enforcer, Fatu can't hold a championship. It remains to be seen whether Jacob Fatu will get a shot at the Undisputed Title at Bad Blood 2024.

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What if Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu becomes official for Bad Blood 2024?

If the scenario unfolds with Jacob Fatu being declared as Cody Rhodes' next challenger at Bad Blood 2024, Rhodes will likely retain his title in their showdown. However, Rhodes' victory may not be a clean win, as Roman Reigns or another member of the original Bloodline could interfere, ultimately costing Fatu the match.

WWE might book Cody Rhodes to win against the dominant Jacob Fatu because a potential Bloodline Civil War is expected to take place at Survivor Series: WarGames.

If Jacob Fatu dethroned Rhodes at Bad Blood, WWE would be forced to keep the Undisputed Championship tied into The Bloodline saga during the Civil War. Instead, WWE could allow The Bloodline storyline to grow even larger without involving the Undisputed Title, keeping the championship picture separate while still developing the faction's internal conflict.

Thus, having Cody Rhodes retain the title at Bad Blood 2024 would be the most ideal scenario, even if a match between Rhodes and Fatu takes place. At this moment, it's all just speculation and we will have to wait and see how the story progresses.