Scotland’s OVO Hydro nearly burst at the seams with chants of Cody Rhodes’ theme song as Clash at the Castle kicked off. The crowd’s energy crescendoed as Rhodes stood triumphantly on the steel steps, blood-stained tights and the Undisputed WWE Championship gleaming in his hands. He had once again conquered AJ Styles, this time in a brutal “I Quit” match that left the audience both breathless and electrified.
A Chaotic Battle
The highly anticipated showdown between Rhodes and Styles lived up to its chaotic billing. For fifty grueling minutes, the two rivals exploited every facet of the wild match stipulation. They battled ferociously through the backstage area, drawing blood and wielding tables, kendo sticks, belts, and steel chairs with ruthless abandon.
The Turning Point
Styles seemed to gain the upper hand when Rhodes passed out from an STF submission. However, since Rhodes did not verbally say “I quit,” the match continued. Styles, sensing an opportunity, approached ringside where Rhodes’ mother was seated. The confrontation that followed saw Rhodes’ mother delivering a series of slaps to Styles, buying Rhodes precious recovery time.
Rhodes’ Resurgence
Once back in the ring, Rhodes exacted his revenge by handcuffing Styles — a retaliatory move for an earlier handcuffing by Styles. Rhodes then unleashed a relentless assault with a steel chair. In a dramatic climax, Rhodes retrieved the steel steps and menacingly prepared to drop them onto Styles. The threat proved too much, and the words “I quit” were frantically uttered by Styles, bringing the match to a decisive end.
Post-Match Mayhem
Despite the match’s conclusion, Rhodes’ fury was not sated. He continued his onslaught on Styles even after the bell, further asserting his dominance. As Rhodes eventually made his way up the ramp, title in hand, he encountered Solo Sikoa, the newly anointed Tribal Chief. The tension was palpable, but before anything could escalate, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa ambushed Rhodes from behind.
A Chaotic Conclusion
The assault on Rhodes was fierce, with the three men attempting to overpower the Undisputed WWE Champion. The arena erupted as Kevin Owens and the newly-returned Randy Orton rushed to Rhodes’ aid, fighting off the attackers. This chaotic conclusion left fans buzzing with anticipation for what lies ahead, especially with Money in the Bank looming on the horizon.
Stephen’s Insight
The Clash at the Castle delivered on its promise of high-octane drama and intense rivalries. Cody Rhodes’ victory over AJ Styles in such a brutal fashion not only solidified his reign but also set the stage for future confrontations. The involvement of Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa hints at a brewing faction war, while the timely intervention by Kevin Owens and Randy Orton adds layers of intrigue to the unfolding storyline.
