TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 27: Kevin Owens offers Cody Rhodes a hand shake during SmackDown at Amalie … [+]
Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes’ feud has all the ingredients to become the biggest storyline of the year in the WWE. On Friday, the two had a conversation and brief brawl that showcased every element.
In short, Owens will challenge Rhodes for the WWE Championship in a ladder match at the Royal Rumble in February at Lucas Oil Stadium. The match was Owens’ idea.
He insisted on getting a rematch following his loss to Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Owens claims the referee robbed him of his victory. In protest, Owens showed up with the hallowed Winged-Eagle championship belt. Owens made off with the belt after he decimated Rhodes with a package piledriver following the match on SNME.
Smackdown GM Nick Aldis insisted Owens return the belt, but the latter resisted, which brought out Rhodes. The champion called for the ladder match but was stomped out by Owens, who got the drop on him to close the sequence.
Here is a look at the segment.
Owens could win the title at the Royal Rumble—it’s a real possibility. Taking the belt off Rhodes without having him take a pinfall would be ideal to start the gap between this reign and the next one Rhodes enjoys.
Bayley, Bianca Belair and Naomi Defeat Nia Jax, Candice LeRae and Tiffany Stratton
Things are heating up in the who-ran-over-Jade-Cargill angle. Nia Jax accused Bianca Belair of taking out her own partner. Meanwhile, the person many suspect—Naomi—appeared to have an awkward look on her face when the situation was discussed.
If handled properly, this angle could be the biggest storyline on the women’s side and could lead to an epic clash between Belair and Cargill, perhaps at WrestleMania.
Sami Zayn Takes on Carmelo Hayes, Gets Ambushed by the Bloodline
Sami Zayn came to Smackdown looking for a fight. He found one with Carmelo Hayes. The latter bailed on the fight, but Braun Strowman intervened in an attempt to bring Hayes back to the ring.
Hayes slipped away, but in the chaos, the New Bloodline attacked Zayn. Strowman returned to help Zayn, but the Bloodline overcame the Monster as well.
Braun Strowman Smashes Austin Theory
I hope Austin Theory escapes the lower-midcard. I understand he was pushed too quickly, but his failed run as the United States Champion and Mr. Money in the Bank shouldn’t have sunk him this far on the food chain.
As it is, he and Strowman had a solid match that saw the big man get the win with the running powerslam.
The Street Profits Outshine Slew of Tag Teams
The Street Profits took down Los Garza in a strong tag match. The Profits were attacked a few weeks ago by a mystery tag team, which was seemingly revealed to be DIY.
There’s a storyline building between the Profits, DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, The Garzas, Pretty Deadly, and Apollo Crews. Despite the many Superstars involved, it feels like the Profits are getting the push out of this scrum.
Chelsea Green’s United States Championship Coronation
I have high hopes for Chelsea Green’s United States Championship reign. The coronation was entertaining because Green is amazing on the mic and has undeniable presence. She was attacked by Michin, but WWE would be wise to allow Green to get the upper hand and move into a solid feud with someone else who can put her over even more.
