What's Next for Cody Rhodes and Damian Priest After WWE Backlash Wins? | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Raw unquestionably ended up with the stronger roster in the 2024 WWE Draft, especially as it pertains to top-tier talent.

Roman Reigns being gone for the foreseeable future hurts SmackDown significantly, but in theory, his absence should allow for others to rise to the occasion and steal the spotlight. We've seen that with AJ Styles since WrestleMania 40, but Rhodes will need more high-profile opponents than just The Phenomenal One to defend against.

Per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Rhodes reportedly has no "long-term" direction until The Rock returns to feud with him. That all but confirms Rhodes will be in possession of the prestigious prize for the remainder of the year if Rhodes vs. Rock is believed to be happening sometime in 2025.

As such, it's imperative WWE build up stars Rhodes can feasibly face starting now. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens being busy with The Bloodlines takes them out of the equation, Logan Paul is the reigning United States champion, and Carmelo Hayes isn't ready for that type of push yet.

That doesn't leave many intriguing options on the SmackDown side of things unless LA Knight or Bobby Lashley turn heel.

Rhodes' next challenger may not be obvious, and going back to Styles in that spot for King and Queen of the Ring is fine, but WWE should be spending this time addressing this issue so Rhodes' run doesn't suffer from a lack of legitimate competition.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.