High-stakes clash announced after fiery SmackDown segment
Summary
– Kevin Owens refuses to return the stolen winged eagle title on SmackDown
– Cody Rhodes challenges Owens to a ladder match for both belts at the Royal Rumble
– Nick Aldis sets the showdown for February 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium
WWE’s December 27 episode of SmackDown delivered a fiery conclusion to a simmering rivalry as Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens set the stage for a high-stakes ladder match at the Royal Rumble.
The night began with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis demanding Kevin Owens return the stolen winged eagle title, taken after Owens’ controversial loss to Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Owens refused, cutting a promo from his car, declaring his right to the belt, and dismissing Aldis’ ultimatum.
The tension culminated in the final segment when Cody Rhodes intervened, insisting he didn’t want Owens to hand over the title and vowed to settle things in the ring. Rhodes proposed a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle title. Aldis sanctioned the match, setting the stage for a dramatic clash at the Royal Rumble on February 1 in Indianapolis.
The feud between Owens and Rhodes is deeply personal, dating back to their explosive confrontations in late 2024. With the stakes higher than ever, fans eagerly await the showdown that could redefine the Undisputed WWE Championship.
