SmackDown's main event scene is a mess

Credit (WWE) SmackDown main event scene has become the land of nowhere.

Remember when SmackDown used to be called The land of opportunity'' that was the blue brand's motto for years. These days, particularly surrounding their World title scene, revolves around one man, and that is Cody Rhodes. Cody Rhodes is a talented champion and a huge fan of his, yet it's time for someone new or even a former champion to reign supreme on the blue brand. Here are five stars I believe are ready to dethrone Cody Rhodes.

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Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre was the former world champ this year, who lost the title to Cody. Look as a Drew McIntyre loyalist he should never have lost the title before WrestleMania. With that said Drew been out since losing to Jacob Fatu. Drew deserves every right to get back into the SmackDown title scene because he's always been transitional guy which is wrong. He is capable carrying the blue brand as SmackDown bad ass resident and if he return later this summer or fall he needs to be in line to take the title. Yes him and Cody had a feud in the past let them run it back with the former world champ getting revenge.

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Gunther

It's wild that Gunther had a career year in 2025 he retired John Cena and AJ Styles. He recently lost to Cody for a chance to gain they title. Gunther shouldn't stop though he is one of best wrestlers on the planet. I am not the biggest Gunther fan yet he the guy known for ending senior citizens careers and having five star matches.

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Randy Orton

Randy Orton look like he was turning back the clock back to 2006. Him and Cody had a excellent feud at WrestleMania and should have won. That was shocking to see Orton not get the 15th title win and while he didn't get a rematch. He is another contender that is rightfully ready to win. Sure Randy Orton shouldn't be main eventing PLE'S in our good 2026. Yet they need to give him one defining run with the world title because I hear my voices in head.

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Damian Priest

I don't understand why Damian Priest isn't in the main event right now. Sure his tag team with R- Truth is cool but he better than being in a tag real division. If Damian loses the tag title he needs to be back in the world title scene he was a former world champion and honestly he deserves a least one more run. Rather he is a heel or face this guy is too damn good to be in a mediocre tag division.

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Finn Balor

There were seven candidates for the last spot. Yet I believe in Finn Balor sure he might not be as cool like when I was watching Raw in high school. Yet he has never had a legitimate world title run. He was the first universal champion in history. He has title matches earlier this year against CM Punk and he's continue to be a workhorse. I believe Finn Balor deserves a run as SmackDown top champ even if isn't a long run he's long overdue to get his crowning moment.