Cody Rhodes to be banned from WWE SmackDown by Nick Aldis due to one major reason? Possibility explored
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has been involved in a high-stakes rivalry against Kevin Owens for months. The arch-rivals are all set to engage in a Ladder match at the Royal Rumble 2025. The American Nightmare opened the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown, revealing that he was not medically cleared because of KO.
Drew McIntyre shockingly interrupted the champion’s promo and extended a hand of friendship. However, after being betrayed by former buddy Kevin Owens, Rhodes denied McIntyre’s offer. While The American Nightmare confronted The Scottish Warrior, KO launched a surprise attack on Rhodes, which then quickly escalated into a brawl between the archrivals.
The security personnel had to intervene to break them apart. During an intense backstage segment, Nick Aldis confronted Cody Rhodes, where the former expressed frustration with The American Nightmare for brawling with Owens and forcing him to book the Ladder Match between the two at Royal Rumble 2025, despite him being medically unfit to compete.
In return, Rhodes told Aldis, as the titleholder, he has the right to call the shots. He also warned Nick that if he saw Kevin or someone who looked like him, he would drop them on sight. In shocking turns of event, an enraged Nick Aldis could ban Cody from the Friday Night SmackDown for being disrespectful towards a General Manager.
Aldis could kick off the upcoming episode of the blue brand by addressing the WWE Universe and the entire roster. He might express that, for some time, he has been noticing that superstars have been taking him for granted and are trying to cross line with him, from being pushed by Owens to Rhodes being disrespectful towards him. To set a benchmark, Aldis could ban the champion.
This move might also set the stage for Nick Aldis' in-ring debut in the company. There have been some rumors about him debuting as performer in the coming months. A debut against Rhodes might be the perfect way for the 38-year-old star.
Is Cody Rhodes genuinely injured?
At Saturday Night’s Main Event Cody Rhodes clinched a picture perfect win over Kevin Owens and retained his title. However, The Prizefighter launched an attack on the champion from behind and hit him with a vicious Package Piledriver leaving Cody motionless.
Following the attack, the promotion informed fans that Cody Rhodes had sustained some serious injuries, The American Nightmare returned last week on the blue brand. This week, Rhodes revealed that he is still medically unfit to compete, raising concern among the fans about his health, as they wonder if he is genuinely hurt.
Cody Rhodes' injury angle is most likely part of the storyline, as there has been no concrete report about him being unfit. Although The American Nightmare was not allowed to compete on SmackDown, the champion competed in a Steel Cage Match against Owens on December 30, during a Holiday Tour and also defeated him, which confirms that this is a kayfabe injury.
However, all these angles are speculative for now. It remains to be seen what plans Triple H-led creatives may have in store for Rhodes-Owens saga in near future.
