Cody Rhodes emerged victorious at WWE Clash At The Castle 2024, retaining his Universal Championship by defeating AJ Styles in an intense ‘I Quit’ match. Rhodes, also known as ‘The American Nightmare,’ secured the win by threatening Styles with the steel ring steps, leading Styles to submit to avoid further punishment.
This triumph marked Rhodes’ third successful title defense and his second win over Styles, following their memorable clash at Backlash. Despite initial hopes for Styles to transition back to a fan favorite, he executed a surprising fake retirement stunt before turning on Rhodes, solidifying his position as a top heel on SmackDown.
While arguments could be made for Styles to have one final title reign, WWE’s decision to keep the championship on Rhodes aligns with the wrestler’s current momentum and popularity. Described as a significant draw by industry experts, Rhodes has been instrumental in WWE’s recent success, with ticket sales soaring and merchandise sales thriving.
With plans for a potential showdown between Rhodes and The Rock at WrestleMania 41 on the horizon, WWE is strategically setting the stage for compelling storylines and matchups. Despite Raw’s influx of major heels during the recent draft, Rhodes remains a pivotal figure on SmackDown, poised for continued success in the company’s creative direction.
As WWE gears up for future events, including the speculated clash between Rhodes and The Rock, fans can anticipate a continuation of the company’s trend towards long-term planning and strategic storytelling.
