The dawn of the Cody Rhodes era on WWE SmackDown showcased a display of dominance as Rhodes not only opened but also closed the show with a resounding message to The Rock and a victorious title defense against Dominik Mysterio.
In a clear statement to his future opponent, The Rock, Rhodes assured that he wouldn’t shy away from their impending clash. This declaration set the stage for a high-stakes showdown between the two wrestling icons.
Closing the show, Rhodes clinched his first WWE title defense with a decisive victory over a former champion, marking a pivotal moment in his championship reign.
Rhodes’ first defense of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio in the dark match underscored the intensity of their rivalry, with Rhodes emerging victorious for the 16th consecutive time.
While their encounters have been one-sided, the significance of Mysterio challenging for the WWE championship added an intriguing dimension to their matchup.
As speculation mounts regarding Rhodes’ televised title defense at Backlash 2024, anticipation is rife for a showdown against either AJ Styles or LA Knight, both of whom secured victories in Triple Threat Matches on SmackDown.
The tension between Styles and Knight spilled over off-camera, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry and setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
As Rhodes’ championship reign unfolds, the WWE Universe eagerly awaits his next challenge and the continued evolution of his legacy in the squared circle. With each victory, Rhodes solidifies his status as a dominant force in the WWE terrain, leaving an indelible mark on the SmackDown brand.
