WWE Friday Night SmackDown is set to air later tonight and it promises to be a big-time show. This is the first edition of the blue brand following an epic Bad Blood Premium Live Event this past Saturday.
Not only will this show be dealing with the fallout from Bad Blood, but SmackDown will also begin building up to the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event in early November. Two title matches and the return of Roman Reigns are being promoted for this upcoming episode.
One superstar who has been the face of Friday Night SmackDown for most of 2024 is Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare could very well appear on the show and all eyes are on him after a big night at Bad Blood, both on-screen and then later off-screen.
This article will take a look at a handful of things The American Nightmare could do tonight. This includes hyping up a Crown Jewel match, making a massive challenge to a global superstar, and seeking revenge for a vicious beating.
Below are four things Cody Rhodes can do on WWE SmackDown.
#4. He could talk to Kevin Owens to try to work things out and fix their friendship
As noted, Cody Rhodes had a big night at WWE Bad Blood. While the show itself ultimately turned out well for him, an incident that took place once the event ended was the complete opposite: it was bad.
Fans exiting the arena had a view into the parking lot. What the WWE audience saw was Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes arguing. From there, things got physical when Owens attacked Cody, leaving the world champion laid out.
Since then, the company has mostly remained silent on the attack, Cody Rhodes included. Come SmackDown, however, that could change. Cody could confront Kevin and try to work things out. They have been friends for many years and Cody likely wants to fix things before they can spiral out of control any further.
#3. Cody Rhodes could fight The Prizefighter on WWE SmackDown
While the diplomatic approach could help save the friendship between the two SmackDown stars, it may not be the route that the Undisputed WWE Champion takes. Instead, Cody Rhodes might be angry.
This could mean that he and Kevin Owens end up getting into a fight come WWE SmackDown. This could happen in the ring in front of the audience, but perhaps more interestingly, it could happen somewhere backstage.
In fact, maybe the most poetic and interesting route could be for the two to be caught fighting in the parking lot. Either the camera can capture the fight, or it can come out during the show that there was another incident. Regardless, the two fighting feels likely if Cody opts against diplomacy.
#2. He could address Gunther ahead of their big-time match
While Cody Rhodes unofficially has issues with Kevin Owens, at least as far as WWE programming goes, there is no hiding his next premium live event match. Cody will be going one-on-one with Gunther.
The Ring General is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion. As first announced by Triple H, the two will fight for the right to become the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion.
Come Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes could address his upcoming bout with the Imperium leader. The two stared one another down on RAW, but now, Cody can discuss the bout, address Gunther, and analyze his chances of winning the bout at Crown Jewel.
#1. The American Nightmare could challenge The Rock to a future match
WWE Bad Blood featured Cody Rhodes teaming up with Roman Reigns. As if that isn’t an insane enough statement, the two took on The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. In fact, Jimmy Uso returned to help Roman and Cody stand tall. It sounds insane, but it really happened. Yet that isn’t where the night ends.
Once Cody, Roman, and Jimmy stood tall and Jacob, Solo, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa were sent packing, The Rock made his return to WWE programming. Standing on the stage, he held up three fingers while looking on, clearly not pleased.
Come Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes could address the return of The Rock and challenge The Final Boss to a future match. While he will be busy with Crown Jewel, Cody could challenge him to a fight at Survivor Series WarGames or even Saturday Night’s Main Event.
There is no doubt that the two are on a collision course. Prior to The Rock taking time off, he promised he’d be back for Cody and the title. Cody might just step up and try to dictate when the match will happen instead of waiting on The Final Boss to lead matters.
