Cody Rhodes, the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, left an unforgettable mark on fans this past Friday at WWE SmackDown. Not only did Rhodes showcase his championship caliber in the ring, but he also shared a deeply personal triumph involving his family, resonating with the audience both in attendance and beyond.
A Champion’s Victory in the Dark Match
After the main broadcast of SmackDown concluded, Rhodes, also known as “The American Nightmare,” engaged in a dark match against Dominik Mysterio, a member of The Judgment Day. Dominating the match with ease, Rhodes’s performance as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion was both a display of his prowess and a statement of his readiness to take on all challengers.
A Personal Victory Beyond the Ring
The real highlight came post-match when Rhodes took to the microphone not just as a champion, but as a family man touched by a significant personal victory. Addressing the crowd with genuine emotion, Rhodes shared that his family member, Otis, had successfully completed chemotherapy, drawing a heartfelt response from the audience.
“Detroit is kinda like a hometown for me. I debuted here back in 2007 at the Hall of Fame at the Fox Theater and then I married the most beautiful woman on earth…Speaking of Brandi, these are Brandi’s parents sitting in the front row. I’m very excited that they’re here, the whole family, but in particular, I have to shout out Otis, who’s got the hat on. Otis just finished up chemo,” Cody passionately expressed.
This moment not only highlighted Rhodes’s familial bonds but also his deep connection with the Detroit audience, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in professional wrestling.
Champ in his Ring gear post smackdown vs Dominic #SmackDown #CodyRhodes pic.twitter.com/PdfdJXrM3P
— Ghostmalone90 (@Pankow90) April 13, 2024
Upcoming Challenges: Who Will Face The American Nightmare?
Looking ahead, the wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation as WWE prepares for the Backlash Premium Live Event next month in France. Rhodes’s first challenger for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship will be determined soon, with a high-stakes match set for the next edition of WWE SmackDown.
Contenders Emerge from SmackDown
In a thrilling turn of events, AJ Styles and LA Knight emerged as potential contenders after each secured victories in their respective Triple Threat Matches. Styles, overcoming Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio, and Knight, who triumphed over Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley, are set to clash next week. This match promises to be a gripping contest, with Knight seeking to leverage his recent victory over Styles at WrestleMania XL, and Styles looking to utilize his extensive experience to claim the spot as Rhodes’s challenger.
The Road to Backlash 2024
As WWE gears up for Backlash 2024, the excitement is palpable. Cody Rhodes’s reign as champion, combined with his personal and professional victories, makes him a central figure in WWE’s narrative. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how his story unfolds, especially with such formidable talents like Styles and Knight vying for a chance to dethrone the champion.
The road to Backlash is lined with anticipation and high stakes, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying continuation of WWE’s compelling storytelling. Cody Rhodes stands at the heart of this narrative, a champion not only by title but by his profound impact both inside and outside the ring.
