Cody Rhodes rejects Solo Sikoa and names unexpected #1 contender for the WWE Championship on SmackDown

Cody Rhodes opened the show for the final SmackDown of the FOX era. He would call out The Bloodline but initially rejected Solo Sikoa as the number-one contender, naming somebody else instead. However, this minor stumble didn't stop Solo from getting his title match.

This week on the blue brand, Cody Rhodes praised Kevin Owens for his efforts at Bash in Berlin. He then called out The Bloodline, presumably as a follow-up to Solo Sikoa's promo last week. The Tribal Chief had declared that he was coming after the Undisputed WWE Championship again.

Cody initially rejected Solo Sikoa and named the latter's Enfocer, Jacob Fatu, as the man he felt was more deserving than the current leader of The Bloodline. The Samoan Werewolf stepped up and without a mic, loudly shouted "I love you Solo" and acknowledged his Tribal Chief.

Fatu then stepped down and joined the rest of the faction, indicating that he wasn't going to step over Sikoa, shortly before trying to make their numbers advantage count and ganging up against the champion.

The Street Profits and DiY would also come out of nowhere to help Cody even the numbers game and save him from an attack by The Bloodline. This set up an Eight-Man Tag Team Match for the main event of SmackDown.

General Manager Nick Aldis seemed to anticipate the situation perfectly and came prepared to make the announcement for the aforementioned main event. Not only this, but Cody Rhodes vs Solo Sikoa II will happen next week on SmackDown's USA Network Premiere in a Steel Cage Match.

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