Change to Clash at the Castle match, big brawl, and more - 4 things that could happen in Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles’ WWE SmackDown confrontation

A very special edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown will be airing tomorrow. This episode from the blue brand will take place in front of a live crowd in Scotland ahead of Clash at the Castle the next night.

Thus far, only a few things have been announced for the event. Michin will take on Nia Jax in a match that has been building up for a few weeks. Additionally, A-Town Down Under will host a special edition of The Grayson Waller Effect with DIY.

Beyond those advertised matches and segments, it seems inevitable that Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles will have some kind of confrontation. The pair will compete in an I Quit Match on Saturday, so SmackDown will almost certainly feature some last-minute touches on their rivalry.

This feud has been brewing on the blue brand before their first clash at Backlash France, but it really took off in recent weeks. What will happen when the two are in the same arena tomorrow night on SmackDown? This article will look at a handful of things that could happen between the two veterans.

Below are four things that could happen in a potential Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles confrontation on WWE SmackDown.

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#4. The two could finally get into a proper brawl

The feud between AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes has gotten physical, but the two haven't actually had a proper brawl. During the first phase of their rivalry, despite some clear tension, there was a lot of respect and outside of a slap, things didn't get too violent.

Fast forward to AJ Styles' fake retirement on WWE SmackDown a few weeks ago, where things got very physical, but it was a one-sided affair with AJ in control. SmackDown last week saw a little physicality, but security stopped a full-on brawl from taking place.

SmackDown may be where things change. AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes could get into a big fight, despite Nick Aldis' wishes, to give fans a sample of what to expect on Saturday. As long as neither man gets hurt, a brawl would be exciting and entertaining.

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#3. The O.C. could brutally beat Cody down

The O.C. have had their fair share of ups and downs in WWE. The group first formed during The Good Brothers' first run in the company, but they were split up, and Gallows & Anderson were later released. Thankfully, they were re-hired in 2022 and the trio reformed.

This time, the group expanded further by adding Michin. The stable was doing quite well for themselves too before an injury took AJ Styles out of action. The group struggled after their feud with The Judgment Day ended. Recently, however, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson have reunited with Styles and they may be stronger than ever.

This could prove to be bad news for Cody Rhodes on SmackDown. The O.C. as a collective could end up jumping and beating down The American Nightmare. This would soften him up ahead of Clash at the Castle Scotland.

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#2. Trick Williams could save Cody Rhodes from a beating

Trick Williams has had an incredible rise in WWE. He started his career off as Carmelo Hayes' hype man, but over time, became one of the most popular stars in the entire company, regardless of brand. This led to him winning the NXT Championship from Ilja Dragunov.

The NXT Champion and Cody Rhodes had an in-ring segment on WWE NXT this week. Trick asked for advice from The American Nightmare, and the two clearly bonded with each other. Williams even invited Cody to "the cookout."

Their bond could lead to Trick Williams watching Cody's back on SmackDown. If Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson try to get involved, the NXT sensation could show up and fight them off. This would make sure Rhodes is healthy for Clash at the Castle.

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#1. A new stipulation could be added to the Undisputed WWE Championship match

An I Quit Match is a very appropriate setting for the two stars to clash in, given how the match was made. The fact that AJ Styles made the WWE Universe believe he was going to retire only to swerve the fans, and Cody Rhodes himself, will forever be remembered.

Cody Rhodes is focused on making Styles actually quit now - or at least say the words. There is a chance that might not be the end of it, however. The American Nightmare may not believe things are over until he makes AJ quit everything.

Rhodes could add the 'Loser Leaves WWE' stipulation to the I Quit Match. This means whichever performer quits will then be forced to leave the company for good as well.