SmackDown opens with a dramatic start as Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring, microphone in hand, with a determined look on his face. The crowd erupts in cheers for “The American Nightmare,” whose passionate speeches and fiery resolve have become a staple of the blue brand. Tonight, however, his demeanor suggests a deeper intensity, stemming from last week’s shocking events.
As the cheers begin to fade, Cody wastes no time.
“Kevin Owens!” Cody begins, his voice echoing through the arena. “Get out here right now!”
The crowd buzzes with anticipation. Cody paces the ring like a man on a mission, visibly agitated. He pauses for a moment, scanning the entrance ramp.
“Kevin,” Cody continues, “you and I have had our differences in the past, but last week… last week, you crossed a line. Attacking Randy Orton—my friend, my mentor, my family—was not just a betrayal of him. It was a betrayal of everything we stand for!”
The crowd roars, firmly behind Cody. He points to the entrance ramp.
“So, Kevin, you want to prove you’re the prizefighter? Then come out here, right now, and face me like a man!”
As the tension builds, the crowd eagerly awaits Kevin Owens’ music. But instead of KO’s entrance, a different theme hits: that of SmackDown’s General Manager, Nick Aldis.
The audience is taken aback as Aldis, always the picture of professionalism, strides to the ring. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, Aldis carries a microphone, his expression calm but serious. Cody looks visibly frustrated as Aldis steps through the ropes.
“Cody,” Aldis begins, “I understand your frustration. Believe me, I do. But I’m out here tonight because there’s something you need to hear—not just as a competitor but as someone who represents this brand.”
The crowd quiets as Aldis pauses, choosing his words carefully.
“Last week,” Aldis continues, “Kevin Owens made a decision that sent shockwaves through the WWE. His attack on Randy Orton was not only personal but completely unprovoked. It was an act that disrupted the integrity of this brand and our locker room. But as General Manager of SmackDown, I have to think about the bigger picture.”
Cody steps forward, interrupting. “Bigger picture? What bigger picture, Nick? Kevin attacked Randy for no reason! He’s gone rogue! And you’re telling me you’re going to sit back and let him get away with it?”
Aldis raises a hand, motioning for Cody to let him finish. “Cody, I hear you. But this isn’t about letting him get away with it. This is about maintaining order. You want retribution. You want to confront Kevin Owens. I get it. But I can’t allow Kevin to appear on SmackDown right now.”
The crowd gasps at the declaration. Cody’s frustration boils over.
“Can’t allow him?!” Cody exclaims. “Nick, Kevin Owens is the one causing chaos! He’s the one who needs to answer for his actions, not be shielded from them!”
Aldis shakes his head. “Cody, this isn’t about shielding him. It’s about ensuring that whatever is happening with Kevin Owens is resolved the right way. There are internal discussions taking place to address his actions, but until those are resolved, Kevin will not be allowed on SmackDown. It’s as simple as that.”
The crowd erupts in boos, siding with Cody.
“That’s a cop-out, Nick!” Cody fires back. “Kevin doesn’t deserve to be protected by ‘internal discussions.’ He deserves to answer to me—and to Randy—for what he did!”
Aldis steps closer to Cody, his calm demeanor unwavering. “Cody, you have every right to be angry. But my job is to make decisions that are in the best interest of SmackDown, and right now, the best decision is to keep Kevin off this show until we can resolve this situation internally.”
Cody glares at Aldis, shaking his head. “So, what? You’re just going to let him off the hook? Let him run roughshod over everyone with no consequences?”
Aldis sighs. “Cody, I’m not letting him off the hook. But this isn’t about revenge—it’s about stability. I promise you, Kevin Owens will face the consequences of his actions. But until then, I need you to trust me to handle this.”
The crowd begins to chant, “Let them fight! Let them fight!” Cody looks out at the audience, nodding in agreement.
“You hear that, Nick?” Cody says, gesturing to the crowd. “These people want to see justice. They want to see Kevin Owens answer for what he did. And so do I.”
Aldis remains firm. “And they will, Cody. But not tonight. Not this way.”
The tension in the ring is palpable as the two men stare each other down. Finally, Cody takes a step back, lowering his microphone.
“You know what, Nick?” Cody says, his voice laced with frustration. “You want to play it your way? Fine. But don’t think for a second that this is over. Kevin Owens can’t hide forever. Sooner or later, he’s going to have to face the music—and when he does, I’ll be ready.”
With that, Cody drops the microphone and exits the ring, leaving Aldis standing alone. The crowd chants Cody’s name as he makes his way up the ramp, his expression a mix of anger and determination.
Aldis watches him go, his own expression unreadable. The General Manager has made his decision, but whether it will bring peace or further chaos to SmackDown remains to be seen.
Backstage, the tension continues to build. Superstars and officials alike buzz about the developing situation, speculating on Kevin Owens’ fate and Cody Rhodes’ next move. One thing is clear: the fallout from last week’s attack is far from over, and SmackDown is heading into uncharted territory.
As the show progresses, the shadow of Kevin Owens looms large over every segment, a constant reminder of the chaos he unleashed. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes prepares for whatever comes next, his resolve stronger than ever.
The question on everyone’s mind remains: What will it take to bring Kevin Owens back to SmackDown—and will Cody Rhodes be the one to finally make him answer for his actions?