Backstage update on Cody Rhodes’ injury ahead of WWE Bash in Berlin - Reports
The inaugural WWE Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event is less than twenty-four hours away. Cody Rhodes is set to defend the Undisputed Championship amid new concerns over his health and status. Backstage sources have just provided an inside update from SmackDown.
The American Nightmare and Kevin Owens will go from teaming up to fighting for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Bash in Berlin tomorrow. The two faced off at today's SmackDown tapings in Berlin, to air tonight on FOX, and KO claimed Cody suffered a knee injury in Europe this week.
Owens pointed to how Cody did not drop to one knee during his entrance, but the 39-year-old denied the accusation, claiming his knee was fine. The Road to Bash in Berlin live event tour of The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany saw Cody retain over AJ Styles all five nights.
The WWE Universe was immediately filled with concern over Rhodes' health after the knee injury claim spread over X (fka Twitter) during today's tapings in Berlin, with many fans speculating on Cody being pulled from Bash in Berlin. However, a new report from Fightful Select notes that Rhodes vs. Owens was still very much on.
Backstage sources at SmackDown reported that Cody would be "fine" for Saturday's title defense against The Prizefighter. It wasn't clear if there was some kind of truth to Owens' injury mention, but there was no report of the champion getting hurt while wrestling Styles this past Sunday through Thursday.
Nick Aldis will moderate the in-ring face-off between Rhodes and Owens. The champion, challenger, and SmackDown General Manager will be in the ring to start the second hour of the show.
WWE Bash in Berlin go-home lineup for SmackDown
Tonight's WWE SmackDown will be the final episode before Bash in Berlin. The show was taped earlier today at the Uber Arena in the German capital, the same venue that will host Saturday's premium live event.
WWE taped just four matches for tonight's show. Below is the confirmed non-spoiler lineup:
- Open Challenge: LA Knight defends the United States Championship
- Angel and Berto vs. Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews
- Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens face-off in the ring
- Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes
- Street Fight: Nia Jax defends the Women's Championship vs. Michin
SmackDown will also feature appearances by The Bloodline, Elektra Lopez, A-Town Down Under, and Tiffany Stratton, among others. The German announcers will be at ringside with Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.