Major Match Featuring Cody Rhodes Takes Place After WWE SmackDown Goes Off Air
Cody Rhodes defeats Solo Sikoa in special dark match after SmackDown goes off-air in Chicago, capping off an action-packed night for fans.
The Chicago crowd at Allstate Arena received a special bonus following the April 4 edition of SmackDown when Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made a surprise appearance for an off-air match. While absent from the televised broadcast, Rhodes squared off against Solo Sikoa once cameras stopped rolling.
The dark match saw Rhodes and Sikoa lock up in an intense battle that took several unexpected turns. During the contest, Sikoa attempted to gain an advantage by introducing a steel chair, only to have the referee intervene. Taking advantage of the official’s distraction, Sikoa landed a low blow on Rhodes. When Sikoa went for his finishing move, Rhodes countered and hit three consecutive Cross-Rhodes to secure the victory.
This bonus match followed an already packed broadcast that featured Rey Fenix’s in-ring debut, Jacob Fatu earning a future United States Championship opportunity, Kevin Owens announcing his neck injury, and a heated verbal exchange involving CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins.
After defeating Sikoa, Rhodes took time to address the Chicago audience and gifted a signed championship belt to a fan in the front row, sending the crowd home happy after an eventful night of WWE action.
