WATCH: Nick Aldis announces ladder match for the Undisputed WWE title at the Royal Rumble after Cody Rhodes’ stunning SmackDown return
In a newsworthy ending to this week's SmackDown, a ladder match for Cody Rhodes' WWE title got official for the Royal Rumble.
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Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens on SmackDown with Nick Aldis [via- WWE]
On February 1, at the Lucas Oil Stadium, Cody Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble. But how did this come about? On this week’s SmackDown, GM Nick Aldis threatened Owens to relinquish the Winged Eagle WWE belt that he’s held hostage since Saturday Night’s Main Event.
In the main event, Aldis told Owens that if he disavows him, KO would never be able to set foot inside a WWE ring again. Kevin snapped at Nick, saying the Winged Eagle title was the only bargaining chip he had. The Canuck affirmed he wouldn’t comply with Aldis’ warning until he got his rematch with Rhodes. Shortly after that, The American Nightmare came out to a roaring ovation.
It was Cody’s first televised appearance since getting his neck messed up by Owens courtesy of a package piledriver. Rhodes told GM Aldis he didn’t need to bother taking the Winged Eagle belt off Owens as it’s his distinction to do so. The former AEW EVP asked Nick to bestow a title match on Kevin—one that doesn’t involve referees screwing Owens over.
With that being said, Rhodes proposed a ladder match that Aldis officially confirmed for the Royal Rumble PLE. As noted by Cody himself, the Winged Eagle title will also be hanging up high beside the Undisputed WWE title at the premium live event.
Before Owens left sporting a grin on his face, he pushed Nick Aldis into Rhodes. The Prizefighter proceeded to stomp Cody in the back of his less than 100% neck. As the latter now gears up to take down Owens again, he’s willing to do it for his mentor Randy Orton, whom Owens put on the shelf a few weeks ago.
Cody Rhodes likely for dream WrestleMania showdown with John Cena
Even though Cody Rhodes will have to put in the hard yards to get past Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble, he might just scrape through it. WWE is already making WrestleMania plans for The American Nightmare.
As per a report from PWInsider, a match with John Cena for the Undisputed WWE title for Rhodes has been discussed. That would, of course, change if The Rock chimes in and commits to a match at WrestleMania 41.
As of a few months ago, The Final Boss was penciled in to face Cody at The Grandest Stage of Them All. However, Rock’s status has only gotten ambiguous of late. The first few shows of 2025 will make it clear if the Black Adam star comes back to further his saga with Rhodes or not.
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