Cody Rhodes defeats former WWE champion after 648 days; gets into a brawl with 40-year-old star on SmackDown

On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes wrestled Chad Gable in a singles match for the first time in nearly two years. Their last match took place on the February 27, 2023, episode of RAW, which was won by The American Nightmare.

On the blue brand this week, the American Made leader confronted the Undisputed WWE Champion during his in-ring promo. This led to a match between the two stars in the main event. A brawl broke out after the bout between the winner and Kevin Owens.

During the match, Cody Rhodes planted Chad Gable with a delayed inverted suplex. Ivy Nile tried to distract the babyface, which allowed the Olympian to perform a Dragon Screw in the corner. Gable went for the ankle lock but Cody sent him into the ropes. Chad pulled off a flying headbutt but only got a two-count.

Cody Rhodes planted his opponent with an inverted Superplex and followed it up with a Powerslam, Disaster Kick, and a Cody Cutter. He went for the cover but Julius Creed pulled Chad Gable out of the ring. The referee evicted The Creeds and Ivy Nile from ringside.

Later on, Gable hit a suplex and went for a Moonsault but landed on his feet in the ring. Cody hit the Cross Rhodes and won the match. Kevin Owens showed up and stomped his injured leg. The two stars then got into a huge fight. WWE officials came out to separate them as the show closed.