4 reasons why Cody Rhodes will face Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match at Royal Rumble 2025

The latest episode of WWE SmackDown ended with a heated segment involving Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and Nick Aldis. Earlier in the show, the SmackDown General Manager warned The Prizefighter to relinquish the Winged Eagle Title or face consequences.

In the main event, Aldis confronted Owens and demanded the same, but Owens refused. This led to Cody Rhodes walking out and confronting Owens. He finally granted Kevin's demand by agreeing to a rematch at Royal Rumble 2025. However, this time, the match will be a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship as well as the Winged-Eagle Title.

In this article, we will discuss four reasons why the KO vs. Rhodes rematch was made a ladder match for the Royal Rumble 2025.

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#4. To avoid any star getting pinned despite a clear winner

Both Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes have significant momentum on their side. A ladder match provides the Stamford-based promotion with a way to determine a clear winner of the Undisputed WWE Championship match without requiring either star to be pinned.

The winner simply needs to climb the ladder and retrieve the title. To avoid either competitor suffering a pinfall loss, WWE likely chose to declare a ladder match between Rhodes and Owens for the gold.

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#3. To add fresh dynamics to the whole rivalry

The WWE Universe has truly enjoyed the ongoing Kevin Owens saga. Triple H continues to add fresh elements to the storyline, even involving himself at times. Announcing a ladder match for the rematch could be a way to introduce new dynamics to this heated rivalry.

Ladder matches are always a fan favorite, which could explain why this stipulation was added to their rematch at Royal Rumble 2025.

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#2. Kevin Owens could finally win the Undisputed WWE Title

Cody Rhodes managed to pin Kevin Owens during their last clash at Saturday Night's Main Event, using a steel chair to deliver Cross Rhodes and secure the victory. Defeating Owens in a ladder match appears to be an even tougher challenge for The American Nightmare.

This creates a high probability of Kevin Owens finally dethroning Cody Rhodes in the upcoming ladder match. Crowning Owens as the new champion without requiring him to pin Rhodes could be another reason behind the choice of this stipulation.

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#1. To stretch the rivalry between KO and Rhodes

A ladder match often results in a cliffhanger ending, especially with the Winged Eagle title potentially hanging high above alongside the Undisputed WWE Championship.

This stipulation could have been chosen to extend the rivalry between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes. Since turning heel, Owens has clashed with Cody only once, and WWE may be planning a trilogy between the villainous Owens and Rhodes.

Stretching the rivalry further could be a key reason behind announcing a ladder match for Royal Rumble 2025. If the fan reception is anything to go by, the WWE Universe have been unanimous with their support for Cody.