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Reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made AJ Styles say "I Quit" at Clash at the Castle as The American Nightmare closed the door on his well-received rivalry with The Phenomenal One. However, the 38-year-old's celebration was short-lived, as the company quickly teased his next opponent.
Solo Sikoa appeared on stage and stared a hole through Rhodes, allowing the acting Tribal Chief's henchmen, Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga, to pounce on the champion. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens made the save to send The Bloodline into retreat.
The Bloodline's assault in Scotland came a few weeks after Sikoa assured Paul Heyman that he had Rhodes in check. Thus, although nothing has been made official, Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa seems like the direction moving forward.
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While Rhodes and Sikoa are incredibly gifted performers with decent chemistry, a short-term feud between the two SmackDown Superstars is not a good idea, especially for these reasons:
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#4. Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa is not a fresh program
Considering that Solo Sikoa is no longer, at least temporarily, Roman Reigns' Enforcer, Rhodes vs. Sikoa superficially feels like a fresh program with intriguing possibilities.
Although WWE has added new characters to the picture and the dynamics have changed, the acting Tribal Chief of The Bloodline is not a new opponent for The American Nightmare.
For starters, during Rhodes' long feud with Reigns, Sikoa was used as a substitute and henchman for The Head of The Table. As such, the current Undisputed WWE Champion has faced and defeated Sikoa several times on television. The American Nightmare was the first to pin him on the main roster.
Secondly, the addition of new faces to the mix in the absence of Roman Reigns doesn't change the fact that it is still Cody Rhodes vs. The Bloodline, a narrative fans have seen for more than two years. Therefore, Rhodes vs. Sikoa does not feel that intriguing.
#3. With his embarrassing losing streak, Solo Sikoa does not currently feel like a credible challenger
There is no denying Solo Sikoa's aura. A fierce competitor with a vicious mean streak who has recently demonstrated commendable leadership qualities, he is more than just Roman Reigns' Enforcer.
However, WWE has failed to protect his aura in the past 12 months. The acting Tribal Chief has an underwhelming win-loss record, being used as fodder during Reigns' programs.
Jey Uso noticeably had his way with his younger brother during his program with Reigns last summer. Watching Randy Orton RKO The Enforcer was an all-too-familiar sight earlier this year. Cody Rhodes also made a statement at Sikoa's expense several times.
His last meaningful singles win came in November 2023, when he obliterated John Cena at Crown Jewel. Since then, it has been one loss after another, with a losing streak that lasted almost six months. With a lack of credible victories to his name, Sikoa only feels like a placeholder challenger.
#2. Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa runs the risk of overbooking and predictability
The Enforcer has Haku's sons, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, and The American Nightmare has Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. The two factions are evenly matched, but the narrative feels too predictable.
The "bootleg" Bloodline will use the numbers game to their advantage, only for Orton and KO to level the playing field, which would allow Rhodes to score a fair win over Sikoa.
The problem is that WWE tends to overbook such programs, loading them with unnecessary interference. Then, there's Paul Heyman, who has reservations with both parties. While this could lead to memorable exchanges, chaotic endings are difficult to execute and follow.
#1. It is too soon to revisit Rhodes' storyline with The Bloodline
The WWE Universe believes that Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa will be a prelude to something bigger, perhaps a rematch with the returning Roman Reigns or a slow build-up to a rumored showdown with The Rock at WrestleMania 41.
The problem is that The American Nightmare finished his story at WrestleMania XL two months ago, and WWE has again thrown The Bloodline in his path, albeit in a different shape or form.
The Cody Rhodes-Bloodline saga was universally hailed, but the company should allow the Undisputed WWE Champion to grow outside the faction's shadow and become a marketable name on his own.
In the presence of a loaded roster, there is no need to revert to The Bloodline storyline to make Cody Rhodes feel more relevant. Instead, allowing The American Nightmare to face newer opponents outside The Anoa'i Family's shadow will give him room to gain credibility and momentum.
