Last night's episode of SmackDown opened with Randy Orton asking Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to join him in the ring. The American Nightmare obliged and The Viper admitted that Rhodes teaming with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood doesn't sit right with him.
The champion explained that Reigns is a man of his word and that he'd rather be a fool than a coward. A visibly unhappy Kevin Owens hit the ring but was interrupted by The Bloodline before he could say anything.
Solo did his best to add to the friction and Owens demanded a tag team match...for himself and Orton, not Cody (which clearly upset him).
Backstage, things escalated between the babyfaces and Owens told Rhodes to keep away from the main event. Orton continued playing middleman, but with many fans convinced he'll soon turn on Cody, we'll see how long that lasts.
As for the tag team match, Solo and Jacob Fatu picked up the win after Rhodes ignored Owens' request and hit the ring to drive off Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa; his presence did more harm than good and cost Owens and Orton the match.
Owens and Rhodes shoved each other after the bell rung but Orton successfully defused the situation, leading to a half-hearted hug as SmackDown went off the air.
There are a lot of layers to what's happening here and it feels like the American Nightmare could soon find himself without any friends aside from the Original Tribal Chief!
Check out some highlights from SmackDown below.
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