Cody Rhodes to make heartbreaking announcement; faction with 3 ex-AEW stars? - 5 directions for The American Nightmare following WWE Bash in Berlin
Cody Rhodes had an intense encounter with Kevin Owens in front of a hot German crowd at Bash in Berlin 2024. The Undisputed WWE Champion came out on top and walked out of Uber Arena with his title.
As The American Nightmare's reign continues, there are a lot of exciting options for him on SmackDown ahead of the blue brand's move to the USA Network.
So without further ado, let's take a look at five directions for Cody Rhodes following WWE Bash in Berlin.
#5. Cody Rhodes is forced out of action due to injury
Ahead of their encounter at Bash in Berlin, Kevin Owens revealed on SmackDown that Cody Rhodes was dealing with knee issues. He even targeted The American Nightmare's knee at one point during their match tonight.
The injury could lead to The American Nightmare taking time off from WWE for an unknown period of time. However, it does not seem to be very serious, so he will not have to vacate his title.
Triple H may book him to suffer a beat-down from a furious Kevin Owens or The Bloodline on the upcoming episode of SmackDown to write him off television.
#4. A rematch with Kevin Owens
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens put on an impressive showing at Bash in Berlin with The American Nightmare coming out on top. KO going after his friend's knee during the match may have been a hint at the return of a heel Prizefighter.
Owens may attack Rhodes on the upcoming episode of SmackDown because the former may be embarrassed due to his loss in Germany. He may blame the champion for forcing him to accept the title match at a time when he was not mentally prepared for it.
This could lead to a rematch between them on an episode of SmackDown before Bad Blood or at the premium live event.
#3. Cody Rhodes joins forces with Roman Reigns against The Bloodline
Roman Reigns cost Solo Sikoa the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event of SummerSlam. The Original Tribal Chief had The Bloodline in check until the return of Jacob Fatu, who assaulted Reigns and put him out of action.
It is likely that Reigns will return soon, but he still will not have any backup unless Jimmy Uso returns or he mends fences with Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. In such a scenario, Cody Rhodes may decide to help his former rival as both of them have a common enemy.
It could also lead to The American Nightmare becoming the fifth member of Roman Reigns' team in a potential WarGames match against Solo Sikoa's Bloodline at Survivor Series.
An alliance between Reigns and Rhodes may also trigger the return of The Rock, who is rumored to face the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 41.
#2. Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa II at Bad Blood
Solo Sikoa almost captured the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, but Roman Reigns helped Cody Rhodes retain the title. The self-proclaimed Tribal Chief wanted a rematch immediately after The Biggest Party of the Summer, but The American Nightmare gave Kevin Owens a match instead.
Cody Rhodes is likely going to continue his feud with The Bloodline following Bash in Berlin as Solo Sikoa made it clear that he would challenge the winner of Rhodes vs. Owens.
A Hell in a Cell match between Rhodes and Sikoa at Bad Blood is a huge possibility. But a singles match between them could also happen on SmackDown's premiere on the USA Network, which would also be another opportunity for Roman Reigns to return.
#1. Reunion with Ricky Starks, Arn Anderson, and Brandi Rhodes
Cody Rhodes was running his own faction called The Nightmare Family in AEW. To introduce something new during his title reign, The American Nightmare could reunite with his former manager Arn Anderson and wife Brandi Rhodes in WWE.
Arn Anderson, who parted ways with AEW a few months ago, gave The American Nightmare a pep talk before his match with Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam. So, a reunion between him and Rhodes is possible.
Brandi Rhodes has already made a few appearances with her husband in WWE, so she could just start doing it full-time. Ricky Starks is a close friend of Rhodes and is rumored to leave Tony Khan's promotion soon. He was not a part of The Nightmare Family, but he could join its new version in WWE if Triple H directly books him to join the main roster.