WATCH: Cody Rhodes gives Kevin Owens Cross Rhodes on steel chair to retain his WWE title

When Cody Rhodes entered the main event on Saturday night with the legendary Winged Eagle Championship, WWE fans were treated to a throwback. During his journey to the arena for his undisputed WWE Championship bout against Kevin Owens, Rhodes wore the historic title, which was a mainstay of WWE from the late 1980s through the late 1990s.The Winged Eagle's comeback was a significant act as well as a surprise for the supporters. 

Earlier this week, Rhodes received the championship from Triple H, who also sent him a special message along with the belt. The famous championship Cody Rhodes used to enter his main event bout with Kevin Owens gave it even more respect.

Watch here the video:

Cody Rhodes comes out with the iconic Winged Eagle Title!#SNME pic.twitter.com/8z165UYId5

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 15, 2024

As soon as the bell rung, Owens started playing mind games and left the ring to assess Cody Rhodes and the title. Unfazed, Rhodes charged, smashing Owens into the commentary table and apron as he chased him around the ringside. Rhodes' tope dive caused him to clearly twitch his ankle, but he was still able to roll Owens back into the ring.

When Kevin Owens delivered an avalanche fisherman buster for an extremely close pinfall, the contest became even more intense. Referee Charles Robinson was unintentionally knocked unconscious, causing chaos. Owens then had the chance to strike a stunner, but nobody was around to count. 

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CODY RHODES RETAINS THE UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPIONSHIP.

KEVIN OWENS JUST GOT ABSOLUTELY ROBBED.

I HATE THIS COMPANY.#SNME pic.twitter.com/bzrfKsHznn

— TribaI Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) December 15, 2024

Cody Rhodes solidified his reputation as one of WWE's most firm champions

Cody Rhodes kicked out as another referee raced down. Rhodes then received a Superkick before inadvertently using a Cody Cutter to remove the second referee. Without a referee present, Cody landed a Crossroads and a Cody Cutter on the steel chair that Owens had dragged into the ring at that time. 

Rhodes earned the pinfall victory by playing a bit dirty. While Robinson groggily counted the three, Rhodes covered Owens and slid the chair out of the ring. Cody Rhodes solidified his reputation as one of WWE's most powerful champions by retaining the Undisputed WWE Title in a wild and chaotic matchup.