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Cody Rhodes defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin tonight to kick off the Premium Live Event. The two men put on an impressive performance, and the hot German crowd just added a lot more excitement to their encounter.
The match ended with The American Nightmare defeating KO to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
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Here are four reasons why Cody Rhodes walked out of WWE Bash in Berlin with his title:
#4. Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock is reportedly planned for WrestleMania 41
Cody Rhodes ended Roman Reigns' historic run as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania XL earlier this year. His victory came a night after he and Seth Rollins lost a tag team match to Reigns and The Rock.
On the episode of RAW after WrestleMania XL, The Final Boss set his sights on Rhodes' title and told The American Nightmare that their story was far from over.
WWE is reportedly planning The Final Boss vs. The American Nightmare for the title at WrestleMania in Las Vegas next year. So, Rhodes dropping the title at Bash in Berlin would have hurt him ahead of such a big match, which is why the Stamford-based promotion kept the belt on him.
#3. WWE wants to do Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa after Bash in Berlin
Cody Rhodes almost lost his title to Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam due to Jacob Fatu's interference. He only retained the title due to Roman Reigns' attack on the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief that night.
The Street Champ made it clear that he would be coming after the winner of Rhodes vs. Owens.
Rhodes and Sikoa continuing their feud for the title is a sensible decision as they have unfinished business from SummerSlam. It is also a much bigger rivalry than Owens vs. Sikoa.
The American Nightmare retaining the title at Bash in Berlin likely means WWE will have him defend his title against Solo Sikoa at Bad Blood, possibly inside Hell in a Cell.
#2. Kevin Owens is not ready to become World Champion again
Cody Rhodes gave Kevin Owens an Undisputed WWE title match at Bash in Berlin because the latter stuck by his side during his feud with The Bloodline throughout the summer.
Owens was hesitant to accept the match at first and brought up the fact that he did not have a good enough win-loss record this year to be deserving of a title match. If The Prizefighter had ended up winning the gold from such a position, his win would not have been very meaningful.
#1. Cody Rhodes is the right guy to lead SmackDown into its USA Network era
WWE SmackDown after Bash in Berlin will be the last episode of the blue brand to air on FOX. The show will return to the USA Network after five years on September 13.
Cody Rhodes is one of the biggest babyfaces in WWE right now. Hence, it makes sense for him to lead the brand during the transition phase. His feud with Solo Sikoa will probably be the main attraction when SmackDown premieres on the USA Network.
A sudden title change at Bash in Berlin would have forced Triple H to alter plans for the Undisputed WWE Championship, which is why The American Nightmare likely retained the title tonight.
