Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship in an intense match with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. The two former Legacy members main-evented Night One of the premium live event, and their match also featured the involvement of Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll.
In the end, Randy Orton ended up turning on McAfee and losing in the main event. However, he had the last laugh as he took out the QB1 of WWE with a Punt Kick and left him lying beaten and bruised in the middle of the ring.
Thanks for the submission!
After making an appearance on RAW after WrestleMania 42, Rhodes will surely bring the title back to SmackDown and address what happened over the weekend. On that note, here are five things that could happen to him on the upcoming episode of the Friday Night Show.
#5. The crowd might finally get on his side
Cody Rhodes has been booed by the WWE Universe despite being a babyface ever since he regained the Undisputed Championship from Drew McIntyre on SmackDown after Elimination Chamber. He could not get the crowd on his side despite coming up against a vicious heel like Randy Orton.
After Orton lost at WrestleMania 42 and took Rhodes out with a Punt Kick, The American Nightmare might finally be able to get the fans on his side. He might cut a strong promo and remind the fans exactly how much he is willing to sacrifice for the business. The crowd could eventually start cheering for him again, fixing the dynamic in the feud once and for all.
#4. He could be confronted by Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn defended the United States Championship against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42 and was eventually defeated. Now, it is unclear what is next for the former NXT Champion, and where on the card he truly lies.
Zayn had spoken about his desire to go after the world championship before he managed to dethrone Carmelo Hayes for the US Title. Tonight, he could confront Cody Rhodes in the middle of the ring after having numerous backstage segments over the past few months.
The Underdog From the Underground could finally take his shot at Rhodes and demand a title match at Backlash. This could lead to the two feuding for the title over the next month before Randy Orton eventually makes his return from a short hiatus.
#3. He could be asked to take some time off by Nick Aldis
This past week on WWE RAW, Cody Rhodes was sporting an ugly bruise on the left side of his face, following his match with Orton. Before he can enter a new feud, the SmackDown General Manager might intervene and ask him to take a few weeks off for his own good.
He could demand that Rhodes rest up and recover before he can continue to defend his championship. The American Nightmare might protest the decision, but eventually accept it in favor of the long-term good of the brand and the championship he holds.
This would give the creative team a few weeks to come up with his next major storyline after such a messy feud in the build-up to WrestleMania 42.
#2. He could be confronted by Randy Orton
The Punt Kick after the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One made it clear that the feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton was not over. Despite coming up short at The Show of Shows, Orton might appear on SmackDown and demand another match against his former teammate.
Only this time, he could promise no outside interference from either side, meaning the two might settle their issues one-on-one. This could lead to a verbal battle between the two, and Cody Rhodes eventually accepts the challenge, in hopes of exacting revenge for the Punt.
However, the chances of their confrontation turning physical are slim because of the nasty injury Rhodes suffered in Las Vegas. WWE could opt to protect the Undisputed Champion by only having him work on the mic.
#1. Cody Rhodes could be asked to relinquish the Undisputed WWE Championship
There is no certainty about Cody Rhodes’ immediate future in WWE, since he had to be placed under concussion protocol after his match at WrestleMania 42. The American Nightmare’s injury is not severe enough for him to be forced to relinquish the championship.
However, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis might suggest the same after Rhodes suffered a number of injuries. While WWE is currently monitoring his health, it might be determined that he needs time off in the next few days.
As a result, Rhodes might vacate his title on SmackDown and take some time off to heal before coming back to challenge for the gold again. Although the chances are slim, WWE might not want to gamble with its biggest star and go with a safe route to ensure his long-term well-being.
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Edited by Arsh Das