WWE has moved on from the Roman Reigns era to Cody Rhodes' reign, as he dethroned the Tribal Chief at WrestleMania 40 on Sunday. Rhodes' triumph offered up new chances for the whole locker room, as shown on tonight's episode of SmackDown. The evening included two triple-threat bouts, with the victors facing off next week to select Cody Rhodes' first challenger for WWE Backlash in Lyon, France next month.
The Megastar LA Knight won the opening fight of the night and advanced to next week's contest, while AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio competed for the same opportunity.
In a fierce match, the three superstars displayed their abilities, mesmerizing the crowd with each move. The battle was an exciting back-and-forth, with each opponent striving for the opportunity to meet Rhodes.
Mysterio tried for the 619, but Styles countered with a slam before attempting the pin, which Owens kicked out. Styles had Owens up top, but Mysterio interfered, causing Kevin Owens to drop him to the ground with a superplex.
Owens attempted the pin, but AJ Styles broke it apart at the last minute. Owens caught Styles with a superkick but was then smacked by a Pele kick from Styles before Mysterio appeared out of nowhere. Then Owens dropped Mysterio and Styles with a massive German suplex, which left everyone on the mat for a minute.
Winner will challenge Rhodes for WWE Universal Championship
In the end, AJ Styles won after delivering a monumental Styles Clash from the top rope to Rey Mysterio and pinning him to secure their spot in next week's one-on-one bout against his heated rival, LA Knight, on SmackDown, with the show going off the air as both men confronted each other.
They will square off next week, and the winner will have the opportunity to challenge Cody Rhodes for his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Backlash.