In the intense world of professional wrestling, there are the deep emotions, twists, and turns of Hollywood. Currently, there is a great feud between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles that has shocked WWE fans, and it will end up being Battle of the Castle. However, this great battle has recently met with a great deal of controversy, sparking debate and excitement among fans and scholars alike.
Catalyst: Heartbreak and great struggle
The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles resurfaced at Backlash in early May, with Rhodes winning. The loss took a toll on Styles, forcing him to seek a rematch. Desperate and aware of his dwindling time left in the ring, Styles approached SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, pleading for another shot at Rhodes. However, Aldis, firm in his decision, rejected Styles’ plea, insisting that the former WWE Champion must earn his second chance.
A Dramatic Turn: The Faux Retirement
Faced with rejection, Styles‘ demeanor shifted dramatically. Last week on SmackDown, he delivered an emotional speech, hinting at retirement. As he spoke about his two-decade-long dedication to wrestling, the audience was left in suspense. He called Rhodes to the ring, ostensibly to pass on the torch and the symbolic “keys to SmackDown.”
The crowd was moved as Rhodes accepted Styles’ gesture, raising his hand in what seemed like a touching farewell. But the atmosphere turned electric when Styles, in a shocking twist, attacked Rhodes with a clothesline, followed by a devastating Styles Clash on the metal stairs. This ruthless move revealed his true intentions, setting the stage for their upcoming showdown.
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The Plothole: Ignoring the Devastation
The drama escalated when Rhodes appeared on SmackDown, seemingly unaffected by the brutal attack he suffered. This oversight didn’t go unnoticed, especially by the keen observers at the Busted Open Podcast. They criticized the decision, highlighting how Rhodes missed an opportunity to sell the injury from the Styles Clash—a move known for its potential to inflict serious damage.
Expert Opinions: Missed Storytelling Opportunities
The podcasters at Busted Open voiced their frustration, emphasizing that Rhodes should have portrayed the aftermath of such a vicious attack. The narrative of a wounded underdog overcoming adversity resonates deeply with audiences, and Rhodes’ no-sell approach deprived fans of this emotional journey. Reflecting on past storylines, they noted how Rhodes effectively sold injuries during his build-up to WrestleMania 40, enhancing the drama and viewer investment.
“I would have liked to see him physically sell getting Styles clashed off the stairs onto the floor because they made it seem like a big deal last week. But he came out fired up. My only tweak based on that was AJ should have gotten more on him last night,” the podcasters remarked. “He should have been that babyface pushing too hard, trying to get through the injury. It should have hurt him. He should have made the match and then probably should have been laid out more last night.”
The Stakes: Championship Glory and Legacy
This upcoming match marks Rhodes’ third title defense since his monumental victory at WrestleMania XL, where he dethroned Roman Reigns, ending the Samoan’s historic reign. Rhodes’ triumph was a watershed moment, reshaping the WWE landscape. As for AJ Styles, this bout is a golden opportunity to reclaim the WWE Championship, a title he hasn’t held in over five years.
Clash at the Castle: Anticipation Builds
The anticipation for WWE Clash at the Castle 2024 is palpable. Scheduled for Saturday, June 15, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, fans can either witness the event live or catch the broadcast on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network internationally. The event promises the thrilling culmination of Rhodes vs. Styles and other high-stakes matches, making it a must-watch spectacle.
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As the feud between Rhodes and Styles reaches its boiling point, fans eagerly speculate about the outcome. Will Rhodes overcome the mind games and retain his title, or will Styles’ relentless pursuit and cunning tactics lead him to victory? One thing is certain: the WWE Universe is in for an unforgettable clash.
