During a tense night, WWE SmackDown featured a thrilling showdown between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and “The Prizefighter” Kevin Owens, involving lots of verbal attacks. The broadcast on August 30, 2024, was far from typical, with both celebrities trading cutting remarks and hints that kept the viewers captivated.
Nick Aldis, the General Manager of SmackDown, prepared the scene by calling Kevin Owens into the ring and giving him the microphone before bringing out Cody Rhodes. Owens didn’t hesitate, starting with a sharp comment directed at Rhodes.
Owens’ Bold Accusation: A Question of Injury
The conversation took a dramatic turn when Owens accused Rhodes of hiding an injury, specifically pointing to his knee. Rhodes, unfazed, denied the allegation, brushing off the concern with the confidence of a seasoned champion. Owens, however, wasn’t convinced. He pressed on, reminding Rhodes of their history and questioning whether the champ was being entirely honest about his condition.
“Are you going to turn on me because of your track record?” Rhodes retorted, bringing up the past to cast doubt on Owens’ intentions. Owens, in response, referenced his deep connection with Rhodes’ late father, Dusty Rhodes, insisting that he had no reason to betray him.
Rhodes’ Sharp Response: A Lesson in Wrestling History
In a moment of intense feeling, Rhodes looked back on their common history, focusing on the years 2015 and 2016. He talked about the revival of wrestling at that time, attributing himself as a major figure in the revitalization of the sector. Rhodes implied that perhaps Owens was envious of the recognition he received.
Owens, visibly taken aback, struggled to find a comeback. Instead, he returned to the subject of Rhodes’ alleged injury, citing rumors from backstage. According to Owens, people were messaging him about Rhodes being in the trainer’s room, suggesting his knee was in bad shape. Rhodes once again denied the claim, but Owens wasn’t done. He questioned why Rhodes didn’t kneel during his entrance if his knee was indeed fine.
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Owens’ Frustration: A Champion’s Burden
The conversation shifted as Owens revealed a personal struggle that had haunted him for years. He recalled winning the Universal Championship eight years ago, only to be told by critics that he didn’t deserve it. The bitterness from that experience still lingered, fueling his desire to face Rhodes at full strength.
“I want to beat you when you’re 100% healthy,” Owens declared, his voice tinged with frustration and determination. The challenge was clear: Owens wanted no excuses, no doubts, just a clean fight against a fully capable champion.
A Friendship on the Line: The Calm Before the Storm
Despite the intense exchange, Rhodes reiterated his affection for Owens, stating, “I love ‘The Prizefighter.’” But the question remained: would their friendship survive the upcoming clash at “Bash In Berlin”? The WWE Universe is eagerly awaiting for an unforgettable showdown between two of the biggest stars.
