The wrestling empire kicks off the new era of the SmackDown TV show with a bang: Previous arch-enemies Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are now partners
For two years in a row, the enmity of the two WWE top stars was at the center of the annual highlight WrestleMania – now they are suddenly partners.
On the latest edition of the Friday Night SmackDown TV show, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes teamed up with his former arch-rival Roman Reigns, and the two will face two common enemies at the next big event, Bad Blood.
WWE SmackDown: Beginning of a New TV Era
The current edition of SmackDown was special for two reasons: Firstly, it was promoted as an anniversary show for the 25th anniversary of the show, which first aired in 1999, and secondly, it was the first episode in the USA on the new home channel USA Network – which will lose its previous WWE flagship RAW to streaming giant Netflix in January.
To kick off the special occasion with a bang, the show began with a rare free TV event: a title match between Rhodes and his current main rival Solo Sikoa, held as a Steel Cage Match in a steel cage.
Rhodes defeated Reigns’ up-and-coming nephew, but was then collectively attacked by the new Bloodline that Sikoa had built after WrestleMania, replacing Rhodes’ dethroned Reigns as “Tribal Chief”.
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns suddenly partners
Reigns then came to Rhodes’ rescue and chased off Sikoa and his henchmen, prompting SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to pitch Rhodes the idea of joining Reigns in the ring at Bad Blood against Sikoa and his enforcer Jacob Fatu.
The “American Nightmare” initially declined, stating that he was now “done” with the Bloodline. When Reigns and he were attacked by the Bloodline again at the end, he changed his mind and signed the deal presented by Aldis.
The tag team duel will take place on October 5, the second “Big Match” for the event after the Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre.