Roman Reigns to interfere on WWE SmackDown; brutal heel turn on Cody Rhodes? - 3 predictions for The American Nightmare on this week's season premiere

Cody Rhodes competed against Solo Sikoa at the SummerSlam 2024 Premium Live Event. The American Nightmare successfully retained his Undisputed WWE Championship, courtesy of help from a returning Roman Reigns. The Original Tribal Chief took out Sikoa, which helped Rhodes pick up the victory over the 31-year-old star.

With Solo lacking a definitive conclusion in their last encounter, he has called for a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship, which will take place inside a Steel Cage during SmackDown's season premiere on the USA Network this week. As the anticipation builds, below are three predictions for Cody Rhodes on this week's season premiere.

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#3. Cody Rhodes jumps off the top of the Steel Cage and performs a moonsault

Imagine Cody Rhodes scaling the Steel Cage, leaping off, twisting through the air, and landing a perfect moonsault onto Solo Sikoa. The crowd would erupt, caught up in the excitement of such a daring stunt. It is the high-risk, high-reward maneuver that defines great wrestling moments, highlighting Cody's determination to win no matter what.

A Bloodline member performing in the match is bound to be fraught with interferences. Cody Rhodes could find himself climbing the cage multiple times to fend off interfering Bloodline members. Each time he scales the cage, it could amp up the drama, showing his sheer determination and resilience.

With Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa attempting to interfere in the match, Cody's sharp instincts may prove crucial in this showdown. If he can navigate through their interference, Rhodes' triumph will shine even brighter.

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#2. Roman Reigns returns and costs Solo Sikoa again

After getting beaten down a few weeks ago by the menacing Jacob Fatu and other members of The Bloodline, seeing Roman Reigns come back just when Cody Rhodes seems outnumbered and overwhelmed by the heel faction could be a treat to watch.

With all Bloodline members focused on helping Solo Sikoa win, Reigns showing up to assist Cody would not only be shocking but also add an emotional layer to the match. Additionally, it would give Reigns a shot at payback since Fatu was the one who took it to him a few weeks back. It would highlight the complex dynamics within the group and make the potential Bloodline Civil War even more interesting.

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#1. Kevin Owens turns heel against Cody Rhodes

Kevin Owens competed against Cody Rhodes at the Bash in Berlin 2024 Premium Live Event, where the former unfortunately came up short. However, following the match, both competitors shared a moment of mutual respect. Fast forward to SmackDown this week and The Prizefighter could come out to congratulate Rhodes after his victory, creating a moment of celebration that seems heartfelt and genuine.

In a stunning twist, KO could suddenly pivot and launch a fierce assault on Cody, leaving the audience in disbelief. This sudden betrayal could shift the storyline dramatically, adding a new layer of tension and conflict.

Owens' unexpected heel turn could establish him as a major threat to Cody, setting the stage for a heated feud and making the post-match fallout as memorable as the match itself. The attack could set up a compelling feud that would keep fans engaged and eager for the next chapter in their rivalry.