Major match planned for Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown Season Premiere- Reports
WWE is reportedly in talks for Cody Rhodes to compete with a popular superstar at the SmackDown Season Premiere. The upcoming edition of the blue brand's show will be the Stamford-based company's last broadcast on FOX. The Friday Night show is set to debut on the USA Network on September 13.
On the final SmackDown episode before the season premiere, The American Nightmare is scheduled to address Solo Sikoa's challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Bloodline's new Tribal Chief had announced he would go after whoever wins the title match at Bash in Berlin. Rhodes defeated a spirited Kevin Owens in a back-and-forth contest to retain his championship at the premium live event.
According to a recent post shared by WRKD Wrestling on X (FKA Twitter), there have been talks of Cody Rhodes facing Solo Sikoa at the SmackDown Season Premiere next week. The post, however, also highlighted that the match has yet to be finalized:
"While not set in stone, there is talks of having Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa take place on next week’s #Smackdown debut on USA Network," read the post.
Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa previously locked hands at SummerSlam. The 31-year-old challenged the former AEW star for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Bloodline Rules match. The champion successfully defended the title after Roman Reigns made his blockbuster return to attack his former stablemate.
Cody Rhodes opens up about potential WWE match with Randy Orton
Given the history between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, several fans believe that The Viper challenging The American Nightmare for the Undisputed WWE Championships would make for a mouthwatering contest.
During the post-show press conference following the Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event, Rhodes shared his honest take on a potential feud with his former Legacy stablemate. The 39-year-old opened up about his relationship with The Apex Predator. He added that the angle would be highly entertaining, but there were no plans to go there:
"A lot would have to happen for that match to take place. That's a real relationship and friendship, and the mentor and the student, but it is certainly not something I would back down from. [...] If it happens, that's a lot of drama. As The Bloodline fans like to say, the 'cinema', it's a lot of 'cinema'. But right now, no plans for it," he said.
Randy Orton also competed for a title at Bash in Berlin as he challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. The veteran, however, unlike Rhodes, could not secure the win.