Cody Rhodes is one step closer to another championship opportunity after winning a major No. 1 contender match during the latest WWE SmackDown tapings.
According to spoilers from the taping, Rhodes defeated Jey Uso in a match to determine the next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The victory sets up a title showdown between Rhodes and Sami Zayn on next week’s episode of Raw.
The match had been revealed ahead of the taping as part of the planned SmackDown lineup, with reports indicating Rhodes was scheduled to win and earn the championship opportunity.
Cody Rhodes Earns Championship Opportunity
The win continues Cody Rhodes’ momentum as he remains one of the top stars in WWE.
Rhodes has been positioned near the top of WWE’s main event scene since his return to the company, and another championship match adds to his ongoing pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
His victory over Jey Uso now sets the stage for a match against Sami Zayn on the upcoming episode of Raw.
The championship match will take place next Monday when Raw comes from Allstate Arena.
Possible CM Punk Return Adds More Attention
The upcoming Raw episode is already generating additional buzz because of reports surrounding CM Punk.
Reports have suggested Punk has been pushing for a return to WWE television on the Chicago episode of Raw, although his appearance has not been officially confirmed.
A potential return would be especially notable because Punk is from Chicago and has a strong connection with the city’s wrestling audience.
Punk has also been linked to future championship storylines after previously teasing a possible showdown with Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
More Matches Set Up for WWE Programming
The latest SmackDown tapings also reportedly created another match for next week’s WWE programming.
Trick Williams, the WWE United States Champion, is scheduled to face Carmelo Hayes in a non-title match on SmackDown.
The match adds another storyline heading into the next episode as WWE continues building toward its upcoming major events.
Looking Ahead
With Rhodes now confirmed as the next challenger for Sami Zayn, fans will be watching closely to see whether he can capture the championship or if Zayn can successfully defend his title.
Meanwhile, speculation around CM Punk’s possible return could make next week’s Raw one of WWE’s most talked-about episodes.