Cody Rhodes kicks off the event by acknowledging the difficult match against Kevin Owens at WWE Bash In Berlin 2024. He also welcomes “The Voice of WWE,” Michael Cole, back to the blue brand. Rhodes could continue to extend his appreciation to the people he works with, but he knows he might get interrupted at some point. So it seems like a better idea to invite The Bloodline to the ring right now.
Solo Sikoa steps into the ring unaccompanied. “You ready to defend the Undisputed Championship against a true contender like me? Because everybody knows, I could have been champion. I had you beat at SummerSlam and I would have been champion if it weren’t for Roman Reigns, so, I deserve a rematch ,” Sikoa says. Certainly, Cody acknowledges, he should be getting a title defense on the season premiere of SmackDown , but Solo… the crowd interrupts to chant Roman Reigns’ name. Cody comments that he does, in fact, deserve a title shot, the man who took Roman Reigns out of the way… but Rhodes isn’t talking about Solo Sikoa. “Jacob Fatu, step up!” Cody Rhodes demands.
Jacob Fatu climbs onto the apron , but Solo Sikoa, with a simple look, does not allow him to enter the ring. Fatu once again shows affection to his Tribal Chief and backs off. Cody mentions that it was worth trying to cause trouble within The Bloodline. Rhodes comments that Sikoa may carry the Ula Fala, but he holds the championship that all of WWE orbits around, maybe one day he can beat him by putting that thumbs up, but it won’t be next week. Solo Sikoa accepts Solo Sikoa’s challenge for next week, but they don’t have to wait until then.
The Bloodline come to the ring at Solo Sikoa’s signal to surround Cody Rhodes. However, The Street Profits & DIY show up to back up the champion. Nick Aldis immediately appears to prevent a brawl and reminds everyone that an Eight-Man Tag Team Match will take place in tonight’s main event. Meanwhile, to avoid the numbers game against Rhodes next Friday, the SmackDown General Manager announces that Cody will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa in a STEEL CAGE MATCH.