AJ Styles slaps Cody Rhodes ahead of their Championship match in Backlash 2024

AJ Styles slapped Cody Rhodes on his face after their promo on Friday Night Smackdown. Ahead of their title match in Backlash 2024, the duo were up against each other for the final segment. Styles entered the arena to the boos from the fans. Cody's entrance was brilliant as the crowd sang his song. Special kudos to the brilliant crowd in Lyon for making the night special.  

The American Nightmare started by asking what to talk about in French. Styles wasted no time to talk about Cody's title reign. The phenomenal one claimed that he would beat Rhodes in the Backlash 2024, just he he did to Dusty Rhodes, the father of Cody. Styles claimed himself to have worked hard to achieve what he has done in the company till now. 

The American Nightmare was surprised as he believed that Styles was trying to unnecessarily prove his legacy. Rhodes confirmed the fact that the place of Styles is etched among the greats. The 2-time World Champion believed that he was still in his prime and would take the title away from Rhodes, which he believed to be impossible without the support of legends and hall of famers.

AJ Styles takes a dig at John Cena and The Undertaker 

AJ claimed that the patch for Cody finishing the story was laid by the legends and WWE Hall of Famers. He indirectly claimed that if not for the assistance from John Cena and The Undertaker, Rhodes would not be the champion today. Styles added that he would beat Cody the way he beat the legends and the Hall of Famers he referred to (Although he did not beat The Undertaker). 

In 2016 and 2017, Styles and Cena had a feud where the former won a lot of matches. Cena won in the Royal Rumble 2017 and became the world champion for a record 16th time to equal Ric Flair. Styles was in a feud with The Undertaker in 2020. In the WrestleMania 36, the American Badass overcame Styles and put an end to their rivalry in style.