WWE brought their December 27 episode of SmackDown to the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. That was a big show as the blue brand closes out 2024, and the final segment of the night followed up on a big storyline.
At Saturday Nights Main Event, Kevin Owens fought Cody Rhodes with the WWE Undisputed World Title on the line. That match saw the American Nightmare retain his title in controversial fashion, but the ending wasnt so great for Cody.
Kevin Owens folded Cody Rhodes up at the end of the match and laid in a devastating piledriver, the same move that has been made more than clear that is illegal. Then he stole the winged eagle championship. During this weeks SmackDown, Nick Aldis addressed that situation during the closing segment of the show.
SmackDown started off with Nick Aldis saying that Kevin Owens must return that stolen title by the end of the show, or he would face big time repercussions. Later on in the show, Kevin Owens cut an interview from his car where he said he deserves to have the winged eagle title belt. He also didnt care about Aldis ultimatum, as he said he will only meet with the SmackDown GM under his terms, alone in the ring with just the two of them.
When the time came, Nick Aldis told Owens to do the right thing and hand over the winged eagle title. Owens saw it as the worst thing he could do, because its the only bargaining chip he has to get another shot at Cody Rhodes Undisputed WWE Championship. He felt cheated after Cody beat him in controversial fashion at Saturday Nights Main Event, because he said he had the American Nightmare beat.
Nick Aldis wasnt about making deals, as he meant that Kevin Owens would suffer consequences if he doesnt give the title back. That would mean Owens never steps in a WWE ring again. At that point, Cody Rhodes came out with his actual Undisputed Championship. Aldis told Cody to leave and let him handle things, but Rhodes wasnt going to do that.
Cody Rhodes said he doesnt want Kevin Owens to hand over the title, as he doesnt want to make a martyr about of someone who wants to be a martyr. The American Nightmare made it clear that he doesnt wrestle for himself anymore, he does it for his family, his fans, and so many others who have put faith in him.
Kevin Owens started to talk, and Cody told him to shut up. Then Rhodes said he wants a match where the referee isnt going to stop what hes going to do to KO. At that time, Cody and Nick spoke off-microphone for a moment, and then Cody proposed a ladder match against Kevin Owens for both of those title belts. At that time, Nick Aldis booked a ladder match for the Royal Rumble on February 1 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. After that, Owens jumped Cody and left him in the ring to close out the show.
There is a lot of history between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. After theWWE Bad Blood 2024 premium live event, Kevin Owensattacked Cody Rhodes in the parking lot. Later on, Owens said that whatever happened to Randy Orton was Cody Rhodes fault. Owens had previously laid Orton out with a piledriverduring theNovember 8 episode ofSmackDown. We will have to see what is next for the Undisputed WWE Championship, but Cody Rhodes will now close out 2024 with the Undisputed WWE Title.
Whats your take on Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens rivalry so far? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
