Wrestling veteran "hated" Cody Rhodes angle on WWE SmackDown, but expects huge twist

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is gearing up for a SummerSlam rematch tonight on SmackDown's USA Network debut. Solo Sikoa reignited his title aspirations after The American Nightmare successfully retained his belt against Kevin Owens in Germany, a bout that received strong criticism owing to its booking.

During the build-up, Owens broke character to address his past and the notion fans and critics have of his title clash at Bash in Berlin. The Prizefighter did not rule out a possible heel turn if WWE CCO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque believes it would be the right move based on viewers' reaction.

Speaking on his podcast Keepin' It 100 OFFICIAL, Konnan admitted that he "hated" Cody Rhodes handing the former Universal Champion a title shot. However, the veteran also expects the company to revisit the heel turn angle for Kevin Owens:

"I hated the fact that [Cody Rhodes] just gave Kevin Owens a shot because [Owens] deserved it. But, now they made me interested because you feel that Kevin is going to turn on him." [From 3:56 to 4:07]

Meanwhile, Kevin Owens is embroiled in a rivalry with A-Town Down Under. He single-handedly defeated them last week, after which Grayson Waller suggested to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis that Aldis book them in a tag team contest against The Prizefighter and a partner of the latter's choosing.

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Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and surprises in store for WWE SmackDown?

Triple H announced ahead of tonight's episode that Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Championship inside a Steel Cage will kick off SmackDown's season premiere on the USA Network. Other matches that are advertised for the show are A-Town Down Under vs. Kevin Owens and a mystery partner, and Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade.

The Prizefighter faced The American Nightmare in the opening contest at Bash in Berlin, while Randy Orton challenged World Heavyweight Champion Gunther in the main event. As per prior stipulations, Orton remains on SmackDown after losing to The Ring General. Could The Viper return tonight?

Overall, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has had an "underwhelming" reign thus far according to several veterans of the industry, notably Bully Ray, who highlighted the lack of a "mega heel" on the roster for Rhodes.

Perhaps this could change with the return of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who declared in April 2024 that he will be back for The American Nightmare's belt. It is also possible that Roman Reigns returns to take down Sikoa and co.

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