3 Things Cody Rhodes can do on WWE SmackDown before Backlash

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Last week, Rhodes revealed that he was medically cleared. He was soon interrupted by a debuting Ricky Saints. The Absolute and The American Nightmare locked horns in a singles match on the show. The Undisputed WWE Champion defeated his real-life friend, but his night didn’t end there.

Gunther shockingly showed up and locked Rhodes in a Sleeper Hold. WWE officials were forced to separate the duo. With the beatdown, The Ring General confirmed that he was eyeing SmackDown’s top title.

Cody Rhodes and Gunther will be under the same roof on tonight’s SmackDown, and things are bound to be explosive. In this article, we will discuss three things The American Nightmare can do on the blue show before Backlash.

#3. Cody Rhodes could attack Gunther

The most unsurprising thing Cody Rhodes can do on tonight’s SmackDown is attack Gunther. The American Nightmare must be hungry for revenge after The Ring General blindsided him on last week’s show. In the past few months, Rhodes has shown that he is not afraid to get his hands dirty and use devious tactics to get the better of his rivals.

Many even think that Rhodes could turn heel in the coming months. While a character change seems unlikely, The Prodigal Son could give Gunther a taste of his own medicine on tonight’s program. The Undisputed WWE Champion could attack the Austrian technician from behind to exact revenge.

Rhodes has suffered several beatdowns since regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship. On the Road to ‘Mania, he was constantly targeted by Orton and Pat McAfee. Hence, the creative team must book him to bounce back to protect his credibility.

Cody Rhodes could level the scores by taking out the former World Heavyweight Champion on this week’s SmackDown. The potential angle could intensify their budding rivalry.

#2. Gunther and Rhodes could engage in a promo battle

A title match between Gunther and Cody Rhodes seems inevitable after last week’s assault. It promises to be one of the biggest bouts WWE can produce in today’s time. But why is The Ring General pursuing Rhodes’ gold?

The Austrian Anomaly is a RAW Superstar. He recently defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42 in return for a favor from Paul Heyman. Following The Show of Shows, WWE teased a feud between the former NXT UK Champion and LA Knight. However, the program never materialized.

The creative team could book a promo segment on this week’s SmackDown to explain why Gunther chose to go after Cody Rhodes’ championship. During the potential exchange, The Austrian Anomaly could reveal that Paul Heyman got him a title shot after he helped The Oracle deal with his Seth Rollins problem.

Gunther could disclose why he went after the Undisputed WWE Championship instead of pursuing the World Heavyweight Title on RAW. Meanwhile, Rhodes could issue a warning to his rival about the consequences of last week’s assault.

#1. Cody Rhodes could issue a challenge for Backlash, but Gunther might have a different plan

WWE is set to present its first major premium live event since WrestleMania 42 this weekend. Backlash 2026 will emanate from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on May 9. However, it is not the only premium live event the company will host this month.

On this week’s SmackDown, an enraged Cody Rhodes, being a fighting champion, could issue a challenge to Gunther for Backlash 2026. The Ring General could turn down the proposal before challenging The American Nightmare to a title match at Clash in Italy, which will take place on May 31 in Turin.

The match card for Backlash has already been finalized. There is no room for a high-profile title match like Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther. Moreover, WWE has to craft a solid card for two more major events this month, Saturday Night’s Main Event and Clash in Italy.

The creative team is unlikely to book Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes at SNME due to The Ring General’s European background. A world title showdown between the two megastars could be a massive draw in Italy if WWE confirms it for the premium live event on May 31, since Gunther hails from Austria.

Tonight, Gunther could officially declare his intentions to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy. Given that he is a heel, he would love to have a home-field advantage at the premium live event in Europe. Rhodes could instantly accept the offer and confirm the title bout. This could allow the company to kick off the buildup to the PLE in style and capture fans’ attention.

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