WWE SmackDown: Is Cody Rhodes the New Legend Killer?

Warning: This article contains spoilers about tonight's SmackDown tapings, so proceed with caution.

According to the spoilers posted at wrestlezone.com via PWInsider, tonight's SmackDown will continue the feud between IC champion Cody Rhodes and Booker T.

During the opening segment of the show, Rhodes came out to the ring and was joined by his brother Dustin, AKA Goldust. After agreeing to give Booker another title shot, he attacked his brother.

This sets up a possible feud between the two sons of Dusty Rhodes for sometime down the line, maybe even for WrestleMania.

With Cody having fought Booker and possibly Goldust sometime down the line, it looks like WWE may be using a similar tactic to get Rhodes over that they used with Orton. By having Rhodes take out guys who are legends but not active wrestlers, it makes him look like a strong, vicious heel, much in the way it did for Orton back when he was taking out legends.

I could easily see something between Rhodes and Foley sometime in the future, and there are plenty of other legends at WWE's disposal for Rhodes to fight. WWE employs guys like Dean Malenko and Arn Anderson as backstage management. Using them as quick beatdowns for Rhodes would help get him over even more than he already is.

If WWE is indeed positioning Rhodes as the next legend killer, then he has some big shoes to fill, as Orton used that gimmick to become a huge star.

Rhodes has been climbing the ranks of WWE for some time now, and soon I expect to see him in the World Title hunt. But for now, I am happy to see him continue to take on people for the IC title. He has helped bring back some of the prestige of the IC title, and hopefully, whoever he loses it to can do the same good work Rhodes has done with the title.

I would not be surprised to see more matches with Rhodes and other legends down the line. Roddy Piper could certainly have some entertaining promos with Rhodes if given the chance.

What do you think? Is Rhodes the next legend killer in WWE?