This week’s SmackDown was the last episode before the much-anticipated rematch between AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes. The two stars, who have developed a lot of animosity for each other, went face-to-face in a war of words. They clearly tried to dismantle each other’s spirits before the match, and it seems the Phenomenal One went a little too far with his statements.
The former WWE Champion took to the microphone and went straight to the face of The American Nightmare. He looked in his eyes and said that Rhodes had been a coward all of his life. AJ Styles went on to state that Cody has quit every place he has ever been, including the company he helped create. It was a clear shot at the controversial exit of the Undisputed Champion from Tony Khan’s promotion in 2022.
When it got tough, what’d you do Cody? You quit WWE. He also quit New Japan Pro Wrestling. You quit Ring of Honor. This man right here helped start up a company [AEW]…and you quit it too.AJ Styles on Cody Rhodes
It was a mic-drop moment by Styles that left every person in the Ovo Hydro astonished. Thereafter, Cody Rhodes tried to defend these claims by saying he quit all those companies in order to chase something greater. Moreover, he added that if he had never walked out of the companies in the past, he would have never finished his story in WWE.
“When it got tough, what’d you do Cody? You quit WWE. He also quit New Japan Pro Wrestling. You quit Ring of Honor. This man right here helped start up a company [AEW]…and you quit it too.”
— AJ Styles to Cody Rhodes#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/OGtMPixbVZ
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) June 15, 2024Both Styles and Rhodes looked confident after the dust settled on this segment. They vowed to take the other down no matter what it takes, as it has become a must-win situation for both of them. With just hours left for the epic showdown between two top WWE stars, only time will tell what the aftermath of their war will be.
Brandi Rhodes responded to massive jab of AJ Styles on Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes has been a part of a number of promotions throughout his career. He has competed in NJPW, ROH, Impact, and AEW. However, he ended up leaving each promotion. AJ Styles mentioned it on SmackDown, and it took only seconds for Brandi Rhodes to react to this jab.
The wife of The American Nightmare was watching the show at home and gave an interesting response to the segment. She pointed out that even she had quit all the promotions that Styles mentioned. Following Cody’s departure from WWE in 2016, Brandi soon joined her husband as they embarked on stints in different wrestling companies.
Yeah I quit all that too 😂
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) June 15, 2024More importantly, it was also a reminder to the fans that Brandi has been with Cody the entire time, through thick and thin. The couple was an important part of AEW, and the former WWE ring announcer has played major roles in Rhodes’ matches in the promotion. She made her first on-screen appearance in eight years at WrestleMania XL, accompanying her husband to his triumphant win.
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