Photo Credit: Bleacher Report
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WWE fans have plenty to discuss after a wild weekend of action. Friday’s SmackDown created several new questions for the company. Then, Sunday Night’s Main Event added even more fuel to those stories. Several WWE rumors now point toward major changes across both brands. Here are the biggest stories heading into Monday night’s Raw.
Cody Rhodes’ Heel Turn Looks Closer
Cody Rhodes may stand closer than ever to a major character change. Rhodes battled Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. The match quickly turned into a brutal and personal fight. Rhodes attacked Orton around the arena before the bell even rang. He also targeted Orton while his longtime rival struggled to recover. At one point, Rhodes appeared ready to deliver the devastating Punt. Orton begged Rhodes to stop, and The American Nightmare hesitated.
That moment could prove extremely important moving forward. Orton eventually caught Rhodes with a low blow and an RKO. He then pinned Rhodes to win their latest battle. The loss could push Rhodes toward a darker version of himself. Rumors have already suggested that WWE could turn Rhodes heel. His actions against Orton only increased that speculation. However, WWE has not officially announced a heel turn. Fans should treat the idea as speculation until WWE confirms it.
Paul Heyman Could Have Another Major Role
Paul Heyman also remains one of WWE’s biggest mystery pieces. Heyman walked away from The Vision earlier this year. That left him without a major alliance on WWE television. However, recent events suggest that the situation could change soon. Cody Rhodes has repeatedly used language associated with Heyman. Rhodes even used Heyman’s famous “prediction” phrase during his feud. That moment sparked plenty of speculation about a potential partnership. Now, another twist has made those rumors even more interesting.
Heyman attended Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. He planned to discuss the aftermath of Bron Breakker and Oba Femi. However, Heyman suddenly received a phone call backstage. He then left without explaining the situation. That mysterious phone call could become important on Raw. WWE has not revealed who contacted Heyman. Therefore, fans should avoid treating any rumored alliance as confirmed. Still, Heyman remains closely connected to several major WWE stories. A potential Rhodes-Heyman pairing could completely change Rhodes’ character.
The 946 Faction Could Add Another Member
Another major WWE rumor involves Royce Keys and his new faction. Keys recently joined forces with OTM members Bronco Nima and Lucien Price. The group now goes by the name 946. The meaning behind that name remains unclear. However, the faction has already made a strong impression. The group has targeted The Usos, LA Knight and Solo Sikoa. Their attacks have quickly made them one of WWE’s biggest new threats. Current rumors suggest that 946 could add another member. Nothing has become official yet.
Reports indicate that Keys will remain the group’s leader. Nima and Price currently serve as his muscle. That structure could change if WWE adds another wrestler soon. The faction could also become part of a larger Survivor Series story. Recent reports have suggested a possible Bloodline reunion against 946. Roman Reigns, The Usos and Solo Sikoa could eventually unite. Their current issues make that scenario difficult to predict. Still, WWE could use 946 to bring the group back together.
CM Punk and Sami Zayn Head Toward Another Collision
CM Punk also has a major problem waiting on SmackDown. Punk retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano. Sami Zayn once again interfered during the championship match. Zayn attacked several wrestlers with the WWE Championship. He also struck Punk with the title while officials dealt with the chaos. Punk eventually defeated Gargano with the Go to Sleep. Afterward, Punk challenged Zayn to another championship match. That match will happen on SmackDown in Mexico City. The announcement gives Punk another chance to end Zayn’s interference. However, Kevin Owens, Gunther and Finn Bálor remain involved. All three wrestlers want revenge against Zayn. That could create another chaotic championship situation. Punk currently holds the advantage heading into Mexico City. Still, Zayn has repeatedly found ways to create chaos. Therefore, another clean Punk victory seems far from guaranteed.
Women’s Division Also Has Plenty of Momentum
The women’s division also enters the week with several developing stories. Chelsea Green received medical clearance to compete on SmackDown. She must continue wearing a protective mask because of her injury. Nia Jax then attacked Green and removed the protective mask. That confrontation set up a championship match in Mexico City. Green will defend the Interim Women’s Championship against Jax. Tiffany Stratton also remains involved after helping Green. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss remain connected. Their rivalry could continue developing after Sunday’s six-woman tag match. Cargill’s team defeated Flair, Bliss and Tatum Paxley at SNME. That victory gives Cargill some momentum heading into Raw.
What Happens Next?
Monday’s Raw could answer several major questions. The show begins the road toward Money in the Bank. WWE will start both the men’s and women’s qualifying matches. Stephanie Vaquer will also challenge Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship. The show takes place in Birmingham, Alabama. Money in the Bank follows on October 10 in New Orleans. That gives WWE roughly one month to build its major stories. The Cody Rhodes situation could become the biggest story of all. Paul Heyman’s mysterious phone call could also reveal another major twist. Meanwhile, 946 continues building momentum as a dangerous new faction. CM Punk and Sami Zayn will also remain locked in a championship battle. For WWE fans, the next few weeks could become very unpredictable. And if Rhodes finally embraces the darker side, everything could change.
All these story lines are exciting let’s see how they all work out.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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