Cody Rhodes was all the rage this year, winning the Royal Rumble and heading WrestleMania 40. But CM Punk‘s shocking arrival may have altered some WWE plans. With Punk’s arrival, people have been rooting for ‘The Straight Edge Superstar’ to replace Rhodes and have his Mania moment.

While it is likely to happen, there is still a higher chance that WWE will go with ‘The American Nightmare’ as the next face of the company and allow him to destroy Roman Reigns and his kingdom before Punk. Here are three reasons that show that Rhodes is shaping up to win the WWE Royal Rumble 2024.

Re-signing Cody Rhodes has been TKO’s top priority

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, WWE wanted to re-sign Cody Rhodes for a long-term extension. As per the sources, this extension has become a top priority for the company since TKO took over. It appears that WWE was eager to lock in ‘The American Nightmare for the long haul.

Rhodes had a successful stint with the company this year and has been a prominent figure in the promotion ever since his return in January this year. Given his influence on the fans and promotion itself, him winning the Royal Rumble elimination match once again will very much prove to be a huge success for WWE.

The American Nightmare will finish his story at WrestleMania 40

This year, WWE didn’t allow Rhodes to finish his story. He won the Royal Rumble and even challenged Reigns for his Undisputed Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39. He was one step from completing his American Dream, but it didn’t happen.

It is highly speculated that WWE will give him one more opportunity to finish his story next year at WrestleMania. Thus, he will win the 30-man Royal Rumble match and go on to challenge ‘The Tribal Chief’ once again.

Punk still has to pay his dues after returning

When Rhodes returned WWE didn’t simply put him on the top. Though he was given a nudge, only to be pulled down later. Earning success in WWE is not easy. He had a fallout with WWE in the past, so upon returning to the promotion, he had to prove himself worthy.

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Punk had a similar past. Thus, WWE will make him first prove himself, before hurling him to the top of the mountain. ‘The American Nightmare’ paid his dues this year, which means that next year, he will shine. Do you think Rhodes will win the 2024 Royal Rumble match? Share your thoughts with us.