Cody Rhodes has been feuding with Drew McIntyre on SmackDown for the past two months and this rivalry has reached a boiling point. It is expected to culminate soon with one more match between them. However, with Royal Rumble season around the corner, the creative team may have fresh plans for Rhodes and his Undisputed WWE Championship.Rumors have been swirling that The American Nightmare could compete in a marquee match at Royal Rumble next year. He could face WWE icon Randy Orton, his longtime friend, at the annual spectacle. The speculation arose because WWE is officially advertising Orton for the January 30, 2026 episode of SmackDown, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.It will serve as the final episode before Royal Rumble. The Viper being advertised for this very show indicates that he will be involved in a major program at the year's first PLE. And given the recent state of SmackDown, the only direction that seems plausible for Randy Orton is him going after the Undisputed WWE Championship.This speculation also aligns with a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which states that WWE is currently planning four matches for Royal Rumble 2026. There will be two traditional Rumble matches and two title matches. There is a good chance that one of those title matches would involve WWE's top champion Cody Rhodes and his coveted title.Therefore, all signs point in one direction and that is Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton taking place at Royal Rumble 2026. Fans have been clamoring to see this feud for well over two years now. Therefore, Triple H could finally pull the trigger on this marquee clash at the year's first WWE PLE in Saudi Arabia next year. While the possibility of it happening is good, this is currently a speculation.Cody Rhodes to lose the Undisputed WWE Title ahead of WrestleMania 42?Cody Rhodes has been carrying the Undisputed WWE Championship on his shoulder since SummerSlam this year. However, his current run has been quite lackluster. Although Rhodes is currently feuding with Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, several things couldn't meet fans' expectations.The WWE Universe has been wondering whether Triple H could end The American Nightmare's title reign at Royal Rumble to mark a fresh direction. However, the chances of it happening seem low. Cody Rhodes is expected to walk into WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion.Losing the title at this point will deal a huge blow to his momentum and may very well affect his credibility. WWE might not pull off such a move. Besides, recent reports suggest that The Prodigal Son could face Roman Reigns at The Show of Shows next year with the world title on the line.Hence, the company cannot afford to take the Undisputed WWE Title away from Rhodes before WrestleMania 42. It will be interesting to see how things shapeup in the coming months.