SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confronted Kevin Owens over his possession of the Winged Eagle Title, setting a deadline for its return by the end of Friday night’s show.
Owens has claimed to be the rightful WWE Champion since Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Cody Rhodes. Following their match, Owens executed a piledriver on Rhodes, leading to WWE announcing Rhodes’ temporary absence due to injury.
During SmackDown, Aldis addressed the situation directly:
Owens was not the champion, but he had the Winged Eagle Title. He had no claim to the title, so he had until the end of the night to relinquish the championship
Owens later responded by challenging Aldis to a face-to-face meeting in the ring, maintaining his stance that he deserves the championship. The title in question was originally presented to Rhodes by Triple H before Saturday Night’s Main Event.
"We need to have a little discussion." @FightOwensFight WILL talk to @RealNickAldis but only on his terms.
#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Q6jvvprx9nAdvertising— WWE (@WWE) December 28, 2024
Rhodes confronts Owens at Jacksonville live event
The tension between Rhodes and Owens escalated at WWE’s Holiday Tour in Jacksonville. Before their steel cage match, Owens addressed the crowd:
A few weeks ago, I said I was going to have my first match as your true, rightful WWE Champion here in Jacksonville. However, this title is not on the line ’cause we’re in Jacksonville, come on
Rhodes appeared wearing a neck brace, selling the effects of Owens’ previous attack. After removing the brace, Rhodes engaged in an intense cage match with Owens, ultimately securing victory by escaping the structure first. Despite momentarily reclaiming the Winged Eagle belt post-match, Rhodes faced another assault from Owens before countering with a Cross Rhodes to end the night.
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