In recent months, WWE’s Cody Rhodes has faced some backlash from fans at various points. Having been a fan-favorite during his second run with the company, it appears an ideal moment for the “American Nightmare” to switch to a villainous role and potentially lead his own faction.
Rhodes might revive the “Nightmare Family” by assembling a group of his real-life allies to form a new heel faction. Below is a look at seven WWE superstars who could be prime candidates to join this villainous Cody Rhodes group.
7. Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks joined WWE in February 2025, quickly rising to prominence by capturing the NXT North American Championship just one month after his debut. He further cemented his place by defeating Oba Femi to win the NXT Championship at No Mercy 2025.
Since his AEW debut in 2020, Starks has demonstrated a genuine friendship with Cody Rhodes, with the pair appearing friendly both on the reality show Rhodes to the Top and behind the scenes at WWE events. Bringing Starks up to the main roster under Rhodes’ wing would be an exciting development, providing the former AEW star with substantial exposure and backing in front of a broader WWE audience.
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Fan Take: This potential heel turn and faction formation around Cody Rhodes could inject fresh energy into WWE storylines, giving fans intriguing new rivalries and alliances to follow. It’s a smart move that blends real-life friendships with wrestling drama, which often results in compelling on-screen chemistry that resonates deeply with the audience.
