In a high-stakes showdown on SmackDown, AJ Styles triumphed over LA Knight, securing his opportunity to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash: France. This victory sets the stage for an intense clash between two powerhouse competitors.
Continuing their WrestleMania 40 feud, Styles and Knight’s rivalry reached a boiling point, culminating in a pivotal matchup. With Styles gaining retribution against Knight, he now shifts his focus towards capturing his first major title in years by dethroning Rhodes.
Several factors contribute to Styles emerging as the top contender for Rhodes’ coveted championship belt:
1. Rhodes’ First Title Defense: As the new Undisputed WWE Champion following his monumental victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, Rhodes faces mounting pressure to defend his title against worthy challengers.
Styles, a seasoned veteran, poses a formidable threat to Rhodes’ reign, setting the stage for an epic showdown at Backlash: France.
2. AJ Styles’ Stature: With a storied career spanning multiple championships across various promotions, Styles boasts a decorated legacy as one of WWE’s top stars.
Despite his recent absence from major title contention, Styles’ unparalleled skill and reputation as a main-event caliber competitor make him a credible threat to Rhodes’ championship aspirations.
3. Potential for Continued Feud: The heated rivalry between Styles and Knight took a dramatic turn on SmackDown, with Styles resorting to underhanded tactics to secure victory.
This sets the stage for a potential rematch between the two adversaries, further intensifying their feud and adding intrigue to future matchups.
4. Maintaining Face vs. Heel Dynamic: Styles’ alignment as a heel antagonist contrasts with Rhodes’ portrayal as a heroic fan favorite, ensuring a clear delineation of roles for their impending clash.
This alignment sets the stage for a classic showdown between good and evil, charming audiences and heightening anticipation for their championship encounter at Backlash: France.
As the countdown to Backlash: France begins, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown between AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes, promising an epic battle for supremacy and championship glory on the grand stage of WWE.
