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Cody Rhodes has been dominating SmackDown as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Despite being on a roll, his status for the Survivor Series: WarGames PLE is still uncertain. Although The American Nightmare is currently embroiled in a heated feud with Kevin Owens, the company has made no major announcements regarding their potential match for the upcoming spectacle.
With the PLE just a week away, Cody is unlikely to be on the show. During his promo on last night's SmackDown, Rhodes teased a clash against KO at Saturday Night's Main Event. This indicates that the 39-year-old won't be on the card for the upcoming spectacle.
Here are four reasons behind The American Nightmare's possible absence from Survivor Series: WarGames:
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#4. More layers are yet to unravel in his rivalry with Kevin Owens
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens are locked in a deeply personal feud, which has many more layers to unravel. WWE has yet to explore the underlying aspects of this rivalry on SmackDown. The feud is currently in its nascent state.
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With so many untapped angles, booking the much-awaited clash between the former friends in just a week could feel rushed. Instead, the Triple H-led creative team might have delayed their eventual in-ring showdown to intensify their conflict in the coming weeks. This seems to be one of the reasons why The American Nightmare is likely to be absent from the upcoming PLE.
#3. Cody Rhodes would not be able to headline the PLE
Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 is around the corner, and the match that is set to headline the spectacle is the Men's WarGames Match between the OG Bloodline and the new Bloodline. Hence, it leaves no room for Cody Rhodes to be involved in the main event. The Undisputed WWE Champion failing to headline another PLE could potentially stir controversy.
Therefore, WWE might be playing safe by not featuring The American Nightmare on the annual extravaganza this year.
Being overshadowed as the Undisputed WWE Champion at a major PLE could also raise questions about Cody Rhodes' credibility as a top champion.
#2. Kevin Owens could get a babyface reaction in Canada
WWE has spent months building Kevin Owens as a vicious heel on SmackDown. The Prizefighter has now evolved into a full-fledged heel on the roster. However, with Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 scheduled to take place in Owens' home country, Canada, the former Universal Champion would likely receive a babyface reaction from fans if he stepped into the arena for a match against Cody Rhodes.
This could pose a major problem for KO's character arc. The Prizefighter receiving cheers and support from fans could undermine his carefully crafted heel persona. Hence, to preserve the momentum of his character, Triple H might have been forced to keep Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes on hold for now.
Moreover, KO receiving more reaction than Rhodes, despite the latter being the top babyface in the company, could heavily affect the Undisputed WWE Champion's momentum.
#1. WWE needs massive hype for Saturday Night's Main Event
The Stamford-based promotion has been heavily promoting Saturday Night's Main Event, which is set to take place on December 14. With WWE pulling out all stops to make it a blockbuster show, the company would need a high-profile match to headline the event. Therefore, Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens could be the potential choice for the main event.
This seems one of the major reasons why The American Nightmare would not compete at Survivor Series: WarGames this year. A match between Rhodes and Owens in Canada later this month would have likely diluted fans' interest in their potential showdown at Saturday Night's Main Event. Hence, The Game is seemingly saving this highly anticipated clash for December to hype the event.
The deeply personal rivalry between The American Nightmare and The Prizefighter could culminate at Saturday Night's Main Event. As a result, the Stamford-based promotion will be able to garner the much-needed hype and excitement for the show.
