Nick Aldis issues a subtle warning to Cody Rhodes backstage on SmackDown

Backstage on SmackDown this week, General Manager Nick Aldis called Cody Rhodes, who was seen walking with a sense of purpose and anger. He issued a subtle warning to The American Nightmare, who also responded to the same.

Cody Rhodes crossed paths with Drew McIntyre this week, who offered his help, only to get rejected. When McIntyre told Cody that he needed to watch his back, The American Nightmare was immediately blindsided by Kevin Owens.

Rhodes was somewhat frantic backstage in his search for Kevin Owens, and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was infuriated with Cody Rhodes for brawling with KO despite convincing him to book his ladder match at Royal Rumble. With Cody technically not medically cleared, Aldis was fuming at him for not thinking of his future and the future of the WWE.

He then issued a subtle warning by telling The American Nightmare that since he wasn't looking out for the company's and his own best interests, Aldis would do it for him.

Cody responded by simply stating that he's the champion and said that as much as Aldis has the right to send him home, he is the one who has the right to call the shots.

He even told Aldis to let Drew McIntyre know that if he wants to come to SmackDown, he's more than welcome. Cody then vowed to drop anyone who even looked like Kevin Owens on sight.

Meanwhile, Kevin Owens crossed paths with The Usos backstage and told them to "watch their backs."