WWE Stars To Replace Cody Rhodes Against Randy Orton At Backlash 2026

Published: 2 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 2 hours ago by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

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WWE

At WrestleMania 42 Night One, Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

After the match, Orton attacked Rhodes with a title belt shot and a Punt Kick to the head. Coming out of Mania, it now seems that Rhodes is under concussion protocol and has a reported orbital bone injury.

With that mind, there are some questions in regards to Cody’s health and whether he may need to relinquish the Undisputed WWE Championship. Meanwhile, Orton will be looking for another opportunity after Pat McAfee inserted himself in the Mania match.

Here are eight WWE stars to potentially replace Cody Rhodes against Randy Orton at Backlash 2026.

8. Jelly Roll

Heading into WrestleMania 42, Jelly Roll became a major part of the story being told between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

First serving as a peacemaker between the two men, Jelly tried to talk some sense into his friend and former tag team partner Orton after his heel turn and bloody beatdown on Rhodes.

However, Orton just decided to deliver a RKO to Jelly and then further attacked him weeks later alongside Pat McAfee.

Now that McAfee is out of the way and Rhodes has suffered an apparent injury, fans might see Jelly step in to take Cody’s place against Orton at WWE Backlash 2026, wanting his revenge for the attacks over the past few weeks.

7. Aleister Black

At WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans and LA Knight to win the Men’s Elimination Chamber to earn his shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Ahead of this premium live event, Aleister Black had started to play mind games and get into the head of Orton, wanting to see the old “Apex Predator” to make his return.

Following Mania, it was revealed that the original pitch for the story heading into “The Show of Shows” was supposed to see Black play the role of manipulator to Orton, leading to his subsequent Punt Kick on Rhodes at Mania and a heel turn.

Now that Orton has turned heel, it could be Black who steps up to the plate to replace Rhodes to go one-on-one with “The Legend Killer” for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE Backlash 2026.

6. Matt Cardona

Following his heel turn on Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton was confronted by Matt Cardona for his actions.

This led to Orton attacking Cardona and injuring his arm by stomping a chair on it.

While Cardona has been beaten by Orton, the former Zack Ryder could use his friendship with Rhodes to be the man chosen to replace him against “The Viper.”

Wanting vengeance for the vicious attack in March, Cardona could step in for Rhodes to avenge his loss to Orton by beating him at the WWE Backlash 2026 premium live event.

5. Drew McIntyre

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night One, Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned Match.

Coming off this loss, McIntyre might need to regroup and climb the ladder once again or he could go directly for the top after losing his Undisputed WWE Championship in March ahead of Mania.

“The Scottish Warrior” may just have a title rematch in his backpocket and look to challenge for the title if Cody Rhodes is forced to vacate the gold.

McIntyre stepping in for Rhodes against Randy Orton at WWE Backlash 2026 could make for a compelling battle to determine a new Undisputed WWE Championship.

4. Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn is someone who has been undergoing an attitude change and receiving a different reaction from the fans.

Ever since winning the United States Championship from Carmelo Hayes, Zayn has garnered louder boos every week on Friday Night SmackDown.

After losing the US Title to Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42, Zayn might change his focus back to his real goal of finally becoming a world champion for the first time in WWE.

Wanting to take every advantage he can, Zayn could replace Cody Rhodes and face Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship in what could be a memorable battle at WWE Backlash 2026.

3. Trick Williams

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night Two, Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship.

Ever since debuting on the WWE main roster at the start of 2026, Williams has emerged as one of the most popular stars in the company today.

Despite winning his first title on the main roster at Mania, Trick has made it no secret that he feels he will be a future world champion in WWE.

Trick facing Randy Orton in the place of Cody Rhodes would make a ton of sense based on his success at “The Show of Shows” and make for a tantalizing main event to the WWE Backlash 2026 show.

2. CM Punk

On the April 20 WWE Raw After WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes came out to join CM Punk in the ring and talk about their different results at “The Showcase of the Immortals.”

While Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship at “The Grandest Stage of Them All,” Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the main event of Night Two.

Despite losing to “The OTC,” Punk remained with a positive outlook and teased having his eyes on Rhodes’ title coming out of Mania.

If Cody is unable to compete and has to relinquish the Undisputed WWE Championship, it would make a ton of sense for Punk to replace his friend and square off with Randy Orton at Backlash 2026 in Tampa.

1. Oba Femi

There might not be anyone with more momentum coming out of WrestleMania 42 than Oba Femi.

At “The Show of Shows,” Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in what was easily the biggest win of his young career.

After seemingly retiring “The Beast Incarnate,” “The Ruler” now feels like the hottest star in WWE today and nothing can stop him from winning some gold.

Despite calling out Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship, WWE might be smart to strike while the iron is hot and have Oba step in for Cody Rhodes if he is not cleared to face Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Title at Backlash 2026