Cody Rhodes may face an extended absence after sustaining injuries during his Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Medical personnel removed Rhodes on a stretcher following a Package Piledriver from Owens at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum event.
WWE released a medical update stating Rhodes has been diagnosed with axial compression of the cervical spine and a cervical strain with spasm. The situation creates an opening for potential championship implications.
During the post-match chaos, Owens seized the Winged Eagle Championship belt Rhodes had specially brought for the event. The Prizefighter then engaged in a brief confrontation with Triple H before departing the arena.
The injury development could set the stage for The Rock to potentially use his position on the TKO Group Holdings Board. Sources suggest he may attempt to strip Rhodes of the championship and transfer the title to Owens, who currently possesses the physical Winged Eagle belt.
The brewing situation stems from an ongoing rivalry between Rhodes and Owens, which escalated after Rhodes aided Roman Reigns at Bad Blood 2024. Owens viewed this alliance as a personal betrayal given his past conflicts with Reigns.
While WWE has only provided social media updates on Rhodes’ condition, the injury angle appears to be storyline-driven. This could lead to a championship confrontation between Rhodes and Owens, potentially scheduled for either the RAW premiere on Netflix or Royal Rumble 2025.
Additionally, the championship controversy could establish groundwork for a possible Rhodes versus Rock encounter at WrestleMania 41.
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