Is Cody Rhodes not allowed to wrestle due to injury? Likely reason why he is facing Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble 2025 instead of earlier

Nick Aldis opened tonight's edition of WWE SmackDown with a serious warning for Kevin Owens. He asked the star to relinquish the Winged-Eagle WWE Championship before the night ended or face consequences. However, the groundbreaking announcement in the final segment raised questions in the minds of certain fans.

The final segment of the show saw Kevin Owens face General Manager Nick Aldis, who asked him to give up the winged-eagle title. Before things could escalate, Cody Rhodes returned and challenged The Prizefighter to a Ladder Match. Aldis officially booked the match between Rhodes and Owens for Royal Rumble 2025. This has raised suspicions among fans, as spectators were expecting the match between former friends to be held on the season premiere of RAW on Netflix.

The WWE Universe is wondering whether Rhodes is fit to compete after the injuries he sustained at Saturday Night's Main Event and if the Stamford-based promotion postponed the match for that reason.

WWE did inform fans after the show that The American Nightmare suffered some brutal injuries but fans felt at the time that it was all in storyline. It still seems to be the case as no concrete reports have suggested that the WWE Champion is actually injured.

Many expected Rhodes and Owens to clash on January 6 but it seems that WWE kept the match for a separate occasion to heavily promote Royal Rumble which is barely a month away at this point. RAW on Netflix already has a main event set, i.e. Roman Reigns vs Solo Sikoa. Perhaps, Triple H and his creative team did not want to book two mega matches on the same show.

Also, having Reigns free for the Royal Rumble could mean that he could be a part of the 30-man battle royal, while another marquee match in Rhodes vs Owens is set.

Kevin Owens might face problems before facing Cody Rhodes at Royal Rumble 2025.

Nick Aldis has officially booked Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes for Royal Rumble 2025. However, just after the general manager’s announcement, KO once again crossed the line when he shoved Aldis into The American Nightmare and targeted the latter's already wounded neck.

Before the premium live event, The Prizefighter might face repercussions as he attempted to lay hands on SmackDown's General Manager. He might have to pay a significant fine or even face suspension for his actions.

However, this is speculative for now. It remains to be seen what plans the Triple H-led creative team has in store for these anticipated bouts.