Top WWE star levels shocking insult at Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is arguably the WWE Superstar with the biggest target on his back. Just under seven months into his reign as Undisputed Champion, Cody leads the SmackDown brand while serving the whole company as its face. Being a coveted role, there are many in the locker room who are gunning for Cody's spot, including a major name looking to add to his championship collection.

The American Nightmare is set for another entry in World Wrestling Entertainment's record books on Saturday as he and Gunther compete for the first-ever WWE Crown Jewel Championship match. The inaugural champion will make history in a much bigger way, which could be the perfect addition to a highlight-filled year for Rhodes. Despite the ongoing success and championship reign, Cody still has his detractors, including the leader of Imperium.

The Ring General has insulted Cody on RAW, SmackDown, and social media lately. Taking the mic at today's Crown Jewel Kickoff Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gunther put himself over Rhodes. The World Heavyweight Champion shockingly said that The American Nightmare would always be a secondary champion while the former was around.

"Of course, Cody is the golden boy of this company right now [smiles and stops for fans singing Cody's name] Quick statement, and as always it's based on facts. In my time at this company, for 80% of the time I've been a champion... and tomorrow I'm going to choke out Cody Rhodes, become the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion, and Cody's going to wake up and realize that he will forever be a secondary champion to me," Gunther said.

You can check out the video below:

Crown Jewel will mark the first-ever Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther singles match. The rivalry began at the Royal Rumble 2023, where Cody entered last and won by scoring five eliminations, including the first entrant, The Ring General.

After the final three of the Royal Rumble 2024 were set, #15 Cody tossed #18 Gunther, then #27 CM Punk, to win the latest edition.

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WWE Crown Jewel updated lineup

WWE is set to present its sixth Crown Jewel in less than twenty-four hours. The PLE will air live on Peacock from the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Officials have confirmed seven bouts for Crown Jewel, breaking the recent trend of five-match PLE cards. Below is the updated lineup:

1. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens;
2. Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed;
3. Women's Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way Match: Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair (c) vs. IYO SKY and Kairi Sane vs. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven vs. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson;
4. United States Championship Triple Threat Match: LA Knight (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade;
5. Inaugural Crown Jewel Women's Championship Match: WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax vs. Women's World Champion Liv Morgan;
6. Inaugural Crown Jewel Championship Match: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther;
7. Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga.

The Countdown to Crown Jewel preview show is set to begin at 11 am ET on Saturday, airing live and free on Peacock plus all WWE social media channels. The main PLE will begin at 1 pm ET on Peacock and the WWE Network. A post-show is scheduled to air on Peacock and social media as soon as the premium live event concludes.