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Things have become personal between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, forcing SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to announce a title match for the Royal Rumble, where The American Nightmare will put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against KO in a Ladder Match.
After Friday's segment on the blue brand, Kevin Owens shoved Nick Aldis and assaulted Cody Rhodes, creating a new angle in the storyline since he assaulted the SmackDown GM.
The expectation is that Nick Aldis will sanction KO for his actions and will try to keep things under control, but WWE Creative could go on a different path, with Aldis appointing himself as the Special Guest Referee in the title match and becoming part of the storyline.
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Nick Aldis could then have a heel turn and cost The American Nightmare his title at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, allowing Kevin Owens to become champion.
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On that occasion, Cody Rhodes could seek revenge on the SmackDown GM, and their confrontation could lead to a match, allowing Aldis to return to the ring for the first time since he became a WWE executive.
Cody Rhodes plans to wrestle for at least five more years
There has been speculation on whether The American Nightmare will retire once his current deal with WWE expires. Cody has made it clear that he will not wrestle forever and recently gave an update on his mindset on retirement.
During an appearance on YMH, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion opened up about when he will decide to hang up his boots.
"Well, [I'm] 39 now, I’d say my contract is running until I don’t want to wrestle full time, definitely, past 45 okay. Drop-in? For sure. Keep myself in shape...I would love to tell stories like we do in the ring, in a different fashion," Cody Rhodes said. [H/T The Ring Report]
Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022 after spending six years in other wrestling promotions. He has become the face of the company and the top babyface. He is now set to take on Kevin Owens, with The Rock likely being his next opponent should he retain his title at Royal Rumble.
