Dreaming of rivals often is just an expression of how competitive one feels, it conceivably could also be an indication of one’s unresolved problems or concerns that symbolizes many different things particularly including conflict and struggle, or desire for power over others.
Anyone can have a dream where a rival appears in their reality. In this case, the dreaded rival symbolizes an enemy with a trait that person holds dear. Further, the rival in one’s dreams represent that person’s bad intentions and as if to say, “I will crush you.” It also may suggest that someone is putting something over on that person or it could symbolize a personal conflict. The simple act of wanting to have competition implies winning and enjoyment at another’s defeat.
Also, the meaning of a rival in a dream could symbolize jealousy, one is that its akin to a nightmare and the other is that it implies you’re up against someone who’s not just physically stronger but with whom you secretly would like to befriend.