Wrestling veteran Vince Russo expressed strong disapproval of the booking for the King of the Ring semifinal match on WWE RAW, arguing that the finish did a disservice to Jey Uso in his loss to Cody Rhodes.
The main event contest saw Uso and Rhodes, friends and former tag team partners, compete for a spot in the tournament final. During the match’s climax, Jey Uso hit Rhodes with two superkicks and followed up with a Cross Rhodes of his own, yet he was unable to secure the victory. In contrast, Rhodes later won the match after executing a single Cross Rhodes.
On the Sportskeeda program Legion of RAW, Russo detailed how this sequence of events damages Uso’s credibility.
I don’t know if they realize they’re doing stuff on purpose, I don’t know. But two Superkicks and a Cross Rhodes can’t beat Cody. But one Cross Rhodes can beat Jey. That buries Jey. I don’t know if they realize that or not. I’m watching this. He gives him two Superkicks, the Cross Rhodes, and Cody pops back up and goes to the corner. Jey, do you not understand that it buries you, bro? Then, Cody does the one Cross Rhodes and it’s over.
Despite the contentious finish, the match concluded with a show of mutual respect between the two competitors. Jey Uso raised Cody Rhodes’ hand, acknowledging his victory. With the win, Rhodes advances to the King of the Ring tournament final, where he will face Randy Orton.