On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown Cody Rhodes discovered his next challenger after defeating AJ Styles at Backlash France. Nick Aldis announced YouTube sensation and current United States Champion Logan Paul. as Rhodes’ next opponent at the King and Queen of the Ring PLE in Saudi Arabia. But things have been different for ”The American Nightmare” if certain chips would’ve fallen into place.

Rhodes had a trilogy of matches last year against “The Beast” Brock Lesnar, coming out on top 2-1. At the end of their final match at SummerSlam, Lesnar broke character to raise Rhodes’ arm as a token of respect. But could he have come back for a title match against the new Undisputed WWE Champion?

Would Brock Lesnar have been Cody Rhodes’ opponent in Saudi Arabia?

On the Busted Open Podcast, hosts Justin and Jonathan discussed the main event of King and Queen of the Ring that features Logan Paul going against the American Nightmare in a ‘Champion vs. Champion’ match. Paul made sure to let the wrestling community know that he is currently the longest-reigning champion in the promotion with a 190+ day reign. The YouTube star’s box office appeal and crossover potential coupled with Rhodes’ quest to achieve Grand Slam status provide a mystique around the match. However, the argument of the feud not having an organic build does hold weight. Hence, while the clash seems good on paper, the encounter does not create much excitement according to the podcast hosts.

When it comes to shows in Saudi, in the past WWE have usually gone with traditionally bigger names for its shows in the Gulf Nation. Fans are used to seeing names like Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, John Cena and other big hitters making an appearance in these shows. But that may have changed to some extent given the lack of availablity of these stars.

During their discussion the hosts on Busted Open said, “When you’re talking about the Saudi Arabia show. Where they tried to, you know, in past, we would have gotten Cody Rhodes vs Bill Goldberg or Brock Lesnar, Or before his health scare, Triple H. We would have pulled some Hall of Fame name. Some part-time or something. Something of an attraction for the Saudi Arabia show. Well, there’s not really any of those names quite left anymore to pull from or at least anything original. And so Logan Paul kind of bridges that gap.”

The shows in Saudi Arabia have seen Shawn Michaels come out of retirement for a forgettable tag team match, MMA veteran Cain Velasquez compete against Lesnar and even boxing star Tyson Fury fight Braun Strowman. The idea from WWE has usually been to stack the card with as many big names with crossover appeal as possible along with its own legends. But right now WWE is a little short on that luxury.

Goldberg isn’t under a WWE contract anymore and his departure wasn’t under the best of terms. Brock Lesnar has been away from WWE programming since his battle with Rhodes at SummerSlam last year, mainly due to being named in the allegations against Vince McMahon. Since then WWE have carefully steered away from mentioning him on TV as well. Apart from this there also a factor to consider that HHH is looking to rely less on part timers and old stars and rather focus on the future. Nevertheless, according to Justin and Jonathan, ‘The Maverick is a good choice of opponent for Rhodes.

“You know, he’s a little bit more than just a show up twice a year. He’s more than that. He’s a title holder for, for all it’s worth, but he still has that celebrity feel to him. He still has that outside of the WWE universe attraction, so to speak. And I’m so, I think it’s, you know, and he’s been, we’ve seen him in big matches in Saudi Arabia. We, you know, so it’s, so this kind of fits.” When it comes to crossover appeal, Logan Paul might have actually been the next best thing for WWE to go with as an opponent for Rhodes.

Why Rhodes vs Logan Paul makes sense for WWE

Rhodes has been growing in popularity ever since his return to WWE two years ago. Now that he has won the holy grail, WWE will look to project him as the number one star not only in the eyes of the hardcore fans but as well as the casual fanbase and there will be few better opponents than Logan Paul that will get Rhodes that mainstream attention.

Beyond the WWE ring, Paul is a celebrity with his YouTube channel, his association with fellow influencer KSI and of course his PRIME energy drink, whose logo was featured in the ring at WrestleMania XL. Paul enjoys a large fan following online and will be doing his best to promote the upcoming bout across platforms, thus exposing Rhodes and by large WWE to newer audiences.

The undisputed WWE Championship is on the line in the match, but during the exchange, Rhodes seemed interested in the idea that the United States Championship also being up for grabs. But WWE has not made anything official at this time, apart from the match presented as ‘Champion vs. Champion’.

While Brock Lesnar vs Rhodes for the title could’ve been more appealing, for now Logan Paul will also serve as a big name opponent that will boost the profile of “The American Nightmare.”