Cody Rhodes to be betrayed by long-time friend; revenge on former champion? - 4 predictions for The American Nightmare on WWE SmackDown tonight
WWE Crown Jewel 2024 aired this past Saturday. The show was a big one, as Saudi Arabia witnessed several major matches. One of the most important matches of the night saw Cody Rhodes take on Gunther.
The two World Champions fought to be crowned the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion. Cody ultimately won, albeit narrowly, winning a brand new ring that he can sport for being the number one World Champion in the company. It was a big deal, but now all eyes are on Friday Night SmackDown.
It isn't yet clear what The American Nightmare will do on tonight's show, but he will be appearing in some fashion. With Survivor Series: WarGames right around the corner and no clear challengers, it should be an interesting night for him.
This article will take a look at a handful of things that might happen with The American Nightmare on the blue brand tonight. This includes a major brawl, a big return assault, and a heartbreaking betrayal.
Below are four predictions for Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown tonight:
#4. A returning AJ Styles could attack Cody Rhodes
AJ Styles is one of the best wrestlers in WWE, but he's unfortunately injured. He returned to SmackDown many weeks ago but injured his foot almost immediately and has been out of action ever since.
It isn't clear when The Phenomenal One will return to a WWE ring, but it could happen as soon as on SmackDown tonight. If he does show up, he could surprisingly attack Cody Rhodes, turning heel yet again and reigniting their rivalry.
The two men had a few epic matches this year, with their bout in France being particularly memorable. AJ lost both contests, which likely eats away at him. As a result, Styles could aim to have one more shot at a World Title and might attack Cody tonight.
#3. The American Nightmare might fight Kevin Owens on WWE SmackDown
Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes have a fascinating story brewing on WWE television and away from it. The two have been friends for years, but things went awry when Cody teamed up with Roman Reigns for one match.
The Prizefighter proceeded to snap on the Undisputed WWE Champion, attacking him in a parking lot. Owens has routinely taken shots at The American Nightmare since then and even Triple H believes KO is more dangerous than ever.
Owens is also dealing with Randy Orton, but he may have to face the wrath of Rhodes tonight on SmackDown. If the two finally get their hands on each other after weeks of tension following Kevin's assault, sparks will certainly fly and it'll be a fight to remember.
#2. Cody Rhodes could request to be part of the Men's WarGames Match
WWE Crown Jewel was a great show, but things never slow down for World Wrestling Entertainment. Their next big premium live event is later this month with Survivor Series: WarGames set to air on November 30. As the name implies, a WarGames Match or two is expected.
Most believe that a Bloodline vs. Bloodline Civil War will take place inside the WarGames structure at the WWE PLE. Jey Uso, Roman Reigns, and Jimmy Uso will likely fight Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Solo Sikoa. Sami Zayn could also be the fourth man for The OG Bloodline, but there is a lot of tension between himself and the duo of Roman and Jimmy as of now.
If Sami is out, Cody Rhodes could appear on SmackDown and address The Usos and Roman Reigns. He could ask to be part of the Men's WarGames Match instead of Sami, which would in turn only set off Kevin Owens even more.
#1. Randy Orton could turn heel on Cody Rhodes
While losing Kevin Owens as a friend and ally has to be tough for Cody Rhodes, he runs the risk of losing another friend: Randy Orton. There is a chance The Viper could turn heel on WWE SmackDown tonight.
The American Nightmare and The Legend Killer are long-time friends and Orton has served as a mentor to the Undisputed WWE Champion. Despite that, Randy has been seen eyeing Cody's coveted championship on more than one occasion. He wants the gold.
Beyond that, Randy Orton might blame Cody for Kevin Owens attacking him and thus the crazy brawl the two had at Crown Jewel. If there is animosity between the pair, an RKO could be in Rhodes' future and it might just happen later tonight on the USA Network. From there, Cody has his next challenger.