Cody Rhodes eyes matches with LA Knight, Randy Orton following Backlash

The American Nightmare also has unfinished business with a certain Boss.

Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles at Backlash in a title match worthy of a premium event. Although Rhodes won decisively, he hinted at the possibility of a rematch with Styles in the future. He also named several top wrestlers as potential challengers for his title, including a possible match-up with LA Knight.

“LA Knight is somebody that I look at because — I get it, ‘they’re two good guys’ — I understand that. But there’s a flavor there. There’s something about it.”

Despite their status as crowd favorites, Rhodes described such a meeting as a case of two guys simply wanting to know who the best is. Looking ahead, he was asked who could be his modern equivalent of Ric Flair to his Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes listed Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, or Styles as potential challengers, likening them to his father’s favorite rivals, Flair and Billy Graham.

But one man The American Nightmare would most like to face is his old mentor, Randy Orton. Rhodes reminisced about how Orton had brought him into his group, Legacy, and mentored him when Rhodes was starting in WWE. Now, as the Undisputed Champ, Rhodes is interested in seeing how he measures up against his former teacher.

“I kind of want to find out. I know ten years ago, Randy could wipe the floor with me. But I wonder what it looks like today,” said Rhodes.

Rhodes also referenced wanting to settle his issues with The Rock. Though he didn’t mention him by name, it was clear who Rhodes was referring to. Following WrestleMania, The Rock confronted Rhodes on Raw the night after and said their story was just beginning. He then handed something to Rhodes, saying, “You don’t even have to open your hand to know what this is,” he said. “Don’t you ever break my heart again.”

As it turns out, Rhodes didn’t appreciate that and would like to return the favor.

“He returned a gift to me. I did not appreciate,” said Rhodes. “When that man returns, I would like to take something from him as well.”