3 reasons why Kevin Owens did not turn on Cody Rhodes at WWE Bash In Berlin
Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes opened Bash In Berlin 2024 with a showstopping match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match was driven by the story of Rhodes and Owens' friendship being tested by the pursuit of glory, and they managed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Despite The American Nightmare's knee buckling, he still emerged victorious over The Prizefighter.
KO can pinpoint one critical moment for his unsuccessful challenge, with the 40-year-old refusing to return to his old ruthless ways at the expense of his friend. So why didn't the former NXT Champion turn to the dark side, even though he was clearly considering it?
Here are three possible reasons why Kevin Owens did not turn on Cody Rhodes at WWE Bash In Berlin
#3: Kevin Owens turning on Cody Rhodes at WWE Bash In Berlin would have had no payoff
Kevin Owens was one of the most vicious heels of the past decade in WWE. The Prizefighter became infamous for turning on friends and allies, having betrayed the likes of Sami Zayn, The New Day, and Chris Jericho over the years. Each time he turned, he went on hugely successful runs, winning gold and living up to his championship-themed nickname.
These days, he excels as one of the top babyfaces in the company, although world title gold has eluded him for eight years. The only reason to turn him against Cody Rhodes would be if he were dethroning The American Nightmare soon. However, with Rhodes not likely to lose the title soon, the momentum from an Owens turn might have been wasted. This could be why it did not happen.
#2: Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes may be headed for a rematch
It's no secret that the Triple H creative regime in WWE favors long-term storytelling. The Game and his writing team especially love to tease heel turns in major feuds, stretching their storylines across multiple matches and events before finally pulling the trigger when the crowd is at its loudest. Thus, Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens having a straightforward first match with no turn makes sense.
The duo could explore The American Nightmare's storyline injury further in the coming weeks, simultaneously delving into The Prizefighter's potential spiral into his past self. They could then have a rematch where the turn would happen. In this context, it would be totally understandable that they saved it for a time and place other than the opening match of Bash In Berlin.
#1: It could be a setup for an upcoming Kevin Owens heel-turn
Kevin Owens' rivalry with Cody Rhodes has, on its surface, been about the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, beneath the surface, it has involved a few more combustible elements. Besides testing Owens' evolution from his cut-throat Prizefighter days, it has also tested their friendship. However, another subtle element of the feud has been their history with The Bloodline.
The former NXT Champion was reluctant to face Rhodes until Nick Aldis mentioned giving Roman Reigns a title shot. The OTC could soon call upon the champion and Owens' great friend Sami Zayn for help in vanquishing Solo Sikoa and Co. Seeing his friends align with a long-time enemy could be what finally drives the 40-year-old to turn, breaking his resistance.
If that is the direction, then it makes sense that he did not turn heel at Bash In Berlin despite teasing it.