WWE SmackDown Recap: Surprising Ending Involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock
WWE SmackDown arrives in Dallas with anticipation building for a potentially pivotal announcement regarding the main event of WrestleMania 40’s first night.
Tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown, held at the American Airlines Center, promises intrigue as fans both in the arena and at home await the response of back-to-back men’s Royal Rumble victor Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins to The Rock’s counteroffer.
In the previous episode of SmackDown, “The Great One” declined “The American Nightmare’s” challenge for a singles match on the first night of WrestleMania 40. Instead, he proposed teaming up with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. However, this tag team match comes with significant stakes: If Rhodes and Rollins emerge victorious, Rhodes’ WrestleMania rematch with Reigns on night two will be free from interference by The Bloodline. But if they fail, “Bloodline Rules” will govern the night two Mania headliner.
The burning question remains: Will Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins accept the challenge?
Aside from this headline-grabbing development, SmackDown offers a lineup of compelling matches and the return of a reigning champion. Among the announced matches is a tag team bout pitting Randy Orton and Kevin Owens against Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, announced just hours before the show.
Moreover, the return of a titleholder adds another layer of anticipation. WWE United States Champion Logan Paul is scheduled to make an appearance, potentially inserting himself once again into the ongoing feud between Orton and Owens. Following his elimination by Orton’s RKO in the men’s Elimination Chamber match, Paul struck “The Viper” with a brass knuckle-enhanced punch, aiding Drew McIntyre in securing a WrestleMania Sunday shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.
