Chapter 1: The Last Time Is Now

[WrestleWizard]

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Welcome to WWE 2025.

We have arrived at the precipice of history. The "Renaissance Era" has evolved into something even larger—a golden age of professional wrestling where box office records are shattered monthly and the stars of today walk among the legends of yesterday.

We are on the Road to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

The stakes have never been higher. The Rock sits on the TKO Board, wielding power as the "Final Boss" and casting a long shadow over the Bloodline. Cody Rhodes carries the weight of the company as the Undisputed Champion, but challengers are circling from every angle. And the greatest of all time, John Cena, has officially begun his farewell tour.

This Saturday, at the Royal Rumble in Indianapolis, the road to the end begins.

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THE PREMIERE: RAW ON NETFLIX RECAP (Jan 6, 2025)​

The era of streaming began with a bang at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This wasn't just a wrestling show; it was a global spectacle.

1. The Farewell Tour Begins After a cinematic entrance featuring a live orchestra playing "The Time is Now," John Cena stood in the ring, visibly moved. He didn't promise victory; he promised a fight. He officially declared for the Royal Rumble, stating, "If I don't win the Rumble, there is no path to WrestleMania. If I don't win the Rumble, the record stays unbroken. This is my last shot."

2. Grudge Match: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins In a commercial-free 25-minute classic, CM Punk defeated Seth "Freakin" Rollins. The finish saw Punk counter a Stomp into a GTS for the clean victory. Post-match, Punk stared at the WrestleMania sign, signaling his intent to main event.

3. Women's World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley Rhea Ripley finally reclaimed her title in a hard-hitting bout, ending Liv Morgan's "Revenge Tour." Despite interference from Raquel Rodriguez, Ripley hit a Riptide from the second rope to pin Liv clean in the center of the ring, taking back the gold she never lost.

4. MAIN EVENT: Tribal Combat for the Ula Fala Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa The Intuit Dome was shaking. This was a war. Tables were broken, kendo sticks were shattered, and bodies were flying. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga tried to interfere, but The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) returned to even the odds, brawling with the new Bloodline into the crowd. Isolated in the ring, Roman Reigns hit a thunderous Spear on Solo Sikoa to win the match.

The Aftermath: Roman Reigns stood tall, battered but victorious. He looked at the Ula Fala lying on the mat. Suddenly, THE ROCK'S music hit! The crowd erupted. The Final Boss walked to the ring, wearing a bespoke suit. He entered the ring and picked up the Ula Fala. He walked over to Roman Reigns. The two cousins stared each other down. The Rock smiled, nodded, and placed the Ula Fala around Roman's neck. He leaned in and hugged Roman Reigns, appearing to acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief.

But then... The Rock looked over Roman's shoulder directly into the hard cam. His face twisted into a vicious, menacing scowl. The mask had slipped. As Roman broke the hug, The Rock didn't let go of his arm. ROCK BOTTOM! The Rock planted Roman Reigns in the center of the ring! The crowd gasped in horror. The Rock stood over a fallen Roman Reigns, adjusted his cuffs, and slowly removed the Ula Fala from Roman's neck, placing it on his own neck as the show faded to black.

The Road to WrestleMania, Future Schedule & Content Plan​

To ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle, I am establishing a new content format for every Pay-Per-View cycle going forward. This three-step approach will ensure the main event feels huge while keeping the rest of the roster active:

1. Individual Match Previews: Leading up to the event, I will release deep-dive breakdowns for the biggest matches (just like my other 2 BTBs)
2. The Monthly Newswire: A detailed recap to catch you up on everything happening outside the title picture—highlighting non-PPV rivalries, mid-card developments, and backstage news.
3. The PPV Event: The full, high-quality write-up.

Upcoming Event Schedule We are hitting the ground running. Here is the confirmed schedule for the next six cycles:

• Royal Rumble: February 1st (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)
• Elimination Chamber: March 1st (Rogers Centre, Toronto)
• WrestleMania 41: April 19th & 20th (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas)
• Backlash: May 10th
• King & Queen of the Ring: May 24th
• Money in the Bank: June 21st

STATE OF THE UNIVERSE: JANUARY 2025​

1. The Cena Narrative Following the Netflix premiere, the narrative is clear: Cena is "chasing the ghosts of his past." He has been training with OVW prospects, trying to prove he can still hang with the new generation.

2. The Bloodline Civil War II The Rock's shocking betrayal on RAW has changed everything. He has declared himself the "High Chief," claiming Roman Reigns failed the family. Roman has disappeared since the attack, leaving the Ula Fala in The Rock's possession.

3. The Ring General's Iron Grip Gunther has held the World Heavyweight Championship since SummerSlam 2024. He has defeated everyone: Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre. Now, Seth Rollins looks to reclaim the title he made famous, but a bitter CM Punk is lurking in the shadows, desperate for his own WrestleMania main event.

THE CHAMPIONS (Heading into Royal Rumble)​

MONDAY NIGHT RAW

• World Heavyweight Champion: Gunther
• Women's World Champion: Rhea Ripley
• Intercontinental Champion: Bron Breakker
• World Tag Team Champions: The Wyatt Sicks (Erick Rowan & Dexter Lumis)

FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN

• Undisputed WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes
• WWE Women's Champion: Tiffany Stratton
• United States Champion: LA Knight
• WWE Tag Team Champions: The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa)

THIS WEEK: THE ROYAL RUMBLE​

The stage is officially set for our first stop. The contracts are signed. The entrants are declaring. The Road to Las Vegas begins now.

Up Next: Royal Rumble Undercard Match Previews.

 

[WrestleWizard]

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Road to Royal Rumble 2025: Official Match Previews (UNDERCARD)​

1. The Usos (Jimmy & Jay) vs. Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga​

Context​

This match represents the violent climax of the Bloodline's latest civil war, sparked by The Rock's shocking usurpation of the Tribal Chief mantle and the rise of a feral new regime. With Roman Reigns isolated, stripped of the Ula Fala, and hunted by his own blood, his cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso have been forced to put aside years of betrayal and heartbreak to unite for survival. They face the ruthless combination of Tama Tonga and the uncontrollable "Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu, a duo sanctioned by The Final Boss to extinguish the legacy of the original Bloodline once and for all. This is no longer just about family; it is a war for survival against a new generation that knows no mercy.

"Blood is Thicker than Hate"

The civil war within the Bloodline reached a boiling point immediately following the historic Raw on Netflix premiere on January 6. After the new Tribal hierarchy—led by the distant hand of The Rock and the ruthless enforcement of Solo Sikoa—decimated Roman Reigns, it seemed the Original Tribal Chief’s era was truly over. As Solo, Tama Tonga, and the terrifying "Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu prepared to drive Reigns through the announce table, a battered Jimmy Uso threw his body over his cousin in a desperate, failing attempt to shield him. Just as the wolves circled for the kill, the arena lights flickered "Yeet" blue, signaling a moment the WWE Universe had waited over a year to see. Forgoing his usual upbeat entrance, "Main Event" Jey Uso marched down the ramp to a remix of the somber "Day One Ish" theme, chair in hand. He single-handedly evened the odds, clearing the ring with superkicks while Roman delivered a Spear to Solo. Yet, the emotional reunion fans craved was tempered by reality; Jey refused to hug his brother, offering only a stoic nod before leaving the ring alone—an alliance forged not out of forgiveness, but out of necessity.

The fragile nature of this truce was exposed on the January 10 episode of SmackDown. In a tense locker room meeting, Jey made his motivations clear to Roman and Jimmy: he wasn't fighting for the Ula Fala or the title of Tribal Chief; he was fighting because the new Bloodline had tried to end Jimmy’s career. Solo Sikoa, appearing via the TitanTron, mocked this sentiment and issued a challenge authorized by The Final Boss himself: The Usos versus The Tongans at the Royal Rumble. The new guard wasted no time proving their lethality later that night. In a calculated ambush in the parking lot, Jacob Fatu brutally assaulted Jey, pile driving him onto the hood of a car. It took a frantic sprint from Roman and Jimmy, wielding steel pipes, to chase Fatu away, setting a dark tone for the war to come.

Retribution came on the January 13 episode of Raw, where a visibly injured Jimmy Uso called out his former brother-in-arms, Tama Tonga. Jimmy cut a passionate promo detailing their shared history, warning that while Tama was dangerous, Jacob Fatu was a "rabid dog" that needed to be put down. This verbal assault led to a singles match that quickly devolved into a trap. When Fatu interfered to orchestrate a beatdown, a heavily taped-up Jey Uso sprinted to the ring, pain etched on his face. This time, the hesitation was gone. The brothers found their legendary rhythm instantly, unleashing a synchronized double superkick that rocked the monster Fatu and sent him tumbling over the top rope. Standing tall in the center of the ring, Jey finally offered a fist bump to Jimmy, officially cementing the return of the greatest tag team in WWE history.

The psychological toll of this war was highlighted on the January 24 SmackDown during a sit-down interview with Michael Cole. The Usos admitted candidly that they were unsure if they could overcome the pure, unbridled savagery of Jacob Fatu. This doubt was amplified backstage when Sami Zayn, the former "Honorary Uce," intercepted Jey. Zayn pleaded with his friend, warning him that returning to the toxicity of the Bloodline would cost him his soul. Jey, looking conflicted but hardened by the last few weeks, offered a chilling reply: "It's war, Sami. You don't leave your brother behind in war." The segment left the WWE Universe wondering if Jey is walking into a trap, and where Sami Zayn’s loyalties will ultimately lie when the bell rings.

The violence reached its zenith on the final Raw before the Rumble on January 27. With words no longer sufficient, The Usos and Roman Reigns stood their ground in the ring while the new Bloodline surrounded the apron. What followed was a ten-minute, uncontrollable brawl that spilled out of the ring, through the barricades, and into the concession stands. Security was helpless to stop the carnage. The broadcast ended with a terrifying visual that defined the stakes for Indianapolis: Jacob Fatu performing a moonsault off a stadium balcony onto a sea of bodies below, crushing security and The Usos alike. As the show faded to black over the wreckage, the message was clear: to reclaim their legacy, The Usos must survive a monster.

2. Women's World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez​

Context​

The rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez is a collision of former best friends turned bitter enemies, ignited by jealousy and the pursuit of dominance. While Ripley’s focus was on ending Liv Morgan’s "Revenge Tour," she failed to see the growing threat of Morgan’s enforcer, who has tired of living in the Nightmare’s shadow. Now, Rodriguez has stepped forward not as a pawn, but as a predator, aiming to dismantle Ripley physically and psychologically to claim the Women's World Championship she believes is rightfully hers. This bout pits the unbreakable confidence of The Eradicator against the immovable force of La Chingona.

"La Chingona vs. The Eradicator"

The "Revenge Tour" was supposed to end at the Raw on Netflix premiere on January 6, where Rhea Ripley finally pinned Liv Morgan to reclaim her Women's World Championship. But as confetti rained down on the new champion, the celebration was cut short by a chilling silence. A distraught Liv Morgan crumbled in the corner, screaming in disbelief, until Raquel Rodriguez stepped into the spotlight. Usually the silent enforcer, Raquel positioned herself as a human wall between the sobbing former champion and the jubilant Nightmare. For the first time in her reign, Rhea looked up to see an opponent who could match her size and strength. Instead of attacking, Raquel simply offered a cold, knowing smirk, pointed at the World title, and scooped Liv up into her arms to carry her away. It was a moment of ominous restraint that left the new champion unsettled.

The true nature of this threat was revealed on the January 13 episode of Raw. Rhea Ripley opened the show with her signature swagger, declaring the Ripley Era reinstated. However, her victory lap was interrupted by a screeching Liv Morgan, who accused Rhea of cheating. The dynamic shifted instantly when Raquel Rodriguez took the microphone, breaking her silence to address Rhea directly. "We used to lift together. We traveled miles together," Raquel said, her voice shaking with suppressed rage. "I know about the bad shoulder you hide. I know about the knee you tape up." She declared she was done being Liv's backup and was coming for the Gold she felt she deserved. Later that night, Raquel proved she wasn't making empty threats. She stormed the ring during Rhea's match, planting the champion with a devastating Tejada Bomb that visibly dented the canvas, ending the night with her boot pressed firmly against Rhea's chest while holding the title aloft.

The rivalry turned deeply personal on the January 20 Raw with the airing of a "Netflix Documentary" style video package. The segment peeled back the curtain on their shared history, juxtaposing footage of their early days in NXT as best friends and workout partners against the harsh reality of their divergent paths. While Rhea Ripley ascended to magazine covers and WrestleMania main events, Raquel was shown struggling with injuries and fighting for TV time, fueling a deep-seated jealousy that had festered for years. This tension exploded later that night in the arena gym. There were no words exchanged, only violence. The two powerhouses began hurling weight plates at one another in a chaotic, non-wrestling brawl that decimated the facility. The segment ended with a shocking display of power as Rhea hip-tossed Raquel through a floor-length mirror, leaving both women battered amidst the shattered glass.

The psychological warfare culminated on the final Raw before the Rumble, January 27. Rhea Ripley was scheduled for an intergender exhibition match against her former "Latino Heat," Dominik Mysterio. The Champion toyed with Dom, dominating him to the delight of the crowd. However, just as Rhea hoisted him up for the decisive Riptide, the arena plunged into darkness. When the lights flickered back on, Raquel Rodriguez stood ominously behind the distracted Champion. Before Rhea could react, Raquel hoisted her into a Torture Rack backbreaker, a move targeting the very injuries she had exposed weeks earlier.

Refusing to give Liv Morgan the satisfaction of seeing her tap out, Rhea Ripley passed out in the excruciating hold. The show closed with a chilling visual that cast doubt on the outcome of the upcoming title match: Liv Morgan crawling into the ring, laughing maniacally as she draped the Women's World Championship over the shoulder of her unconscious enforcer. Raquel Rodriguez had not just beaten the champion; she had broken her. As they head to Lucas Oil Stadium, the question isn't just if Rhea Ripley can retain her title, but if she can physically survive the monster she once called her best friend.

Predictions for these matches and the rest of the card will be given during the Royal Rumble Countdown Show

Confirmed for Royal Rumble 2025 Card​

1. Women's World Championship Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez

2. Grudge Tag Team Match The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) vs. The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga)

 

[Dubb]

You truly are a wizard with the way you are able to do multiple projects at such a high quality. Very excited to see your take on the Cena retirement tour especially as the real one has left a lot to be desired, imo. Looking forward to this!

 

[WrestleWizard]

You truly are a wizard with the way you are able to do multiple projects at such a high quality. Very excited to see your take on the Cena retirement tour especially as the real one has left a lot to be desired, imo. Looking forward to this!

Appreciate it Dubb. I think I'm gonna cap at 3 haha but wanted to write about 3 different eras and give my spin and the format I chose I think I'll be able to have the time needed to make quality products. Yeah the Cena retirement is something I really wanted to get my hands on and write about. Excited to tackle it and see what you and everyone else thinks. I hope I can do it justice.

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Road to Royal Rumble 2025: Official Match Previews (Championship Clashes)​

3. World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. AJ Styles​

Context​

"The Ring General" has systematically dismantled the heavyweight division, enforcing a reign of order and brutality. He has often claimed that the "American style" of wrestling—flashy, chaotic, and undisciplined—is inferior. Enter AJ Styles. "The Phenomenal One" returns not just to challenge for a title, but to defend his legacy and the very style of wrestling Gunther despises. For Styles, this is potentially his last shot at the top of the mountain. For Gunther, Styles is the ultimate trophy to mount on his wall—a legend to be extinguished.

"The General vs. The Phenomenal One"

The seeds of this conflict were sown on the historic Raw on Netflix premiere on January 6. Fresh off a dominant year, World Heavyweight Champion Gunther stood in the center of the ring, surrounded by the carnage of his latest title defense. With a microphone in hand, The Ring General issued a cold proclamation: the locker room had been purged of worthy challengers. He declared the current generation "soft," "undisciplined," and addicted to "excess," stating there was no one left with the honor required to step into the ring with him. The silence that followed was deafening, until the static-filled organ intro of a familiar anthem cut through the arena. AJ Styles, returning from a lengthy hiatus, walked out not to a pop, but to a reverence. He didn't say a word. He simply marched to the ring, stared Gunther in the eye, and pointed at the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther, however, simply laughed. He dismissed Styles as a "relic of a bygone era of flippy nonsense" and left the ring, refusing to even acknowledge the challenge.

Determined to prove he was not a nostalgia act, AJ Styles forced the issue on the January 13 episode of Raw. To demonstrate he still possessed the killer instinct Gunther claimed was extinct, Styles requested a match against Imperium’s lieutenant, Ludwig Kaiser. What followed was a technical masterclass that reminded the world why Styles is considered one of the greatest of all time. He didn't fly; he wrestled. Styles systematically dismantled Kaiser, matching Imperium’s technical grit hold for hold. The finish came not from the top rope, but on the mat, as Styles forced Kaiser to tap out to the Calf Crusher while maintaining intense eye contact with Gunther, who was watching stoically from the VIP box. The post-match scene set the physical stakes. As Styles had his hand raised, Gunther attempted a blindside ambush, rushing the ring to extinguish the threat before it could grow. But the veteran instincts of The Phenomenal One were sharp. As Gunther went for a chopping lariat, Styles ducked and countered with a lightning-fast Pele Kick that caught The Ring General flush on the jaw. The champion stumbled back, stunned and clutching his face, retreating up the ramp with a look of pure fury. Styles stood his ground in the center of the ring, shouting, "Am I worthy now?!" The disrespect could no longer be ignored, and the match was made official.

The psychological warfare intensified during the contract signing on January 20. In a display of supreme arrogance, Gunther remained seated when Styles entered, refusing to stand for his challenger. When he finally spoke, Gunther didn't yell; he lectured. "You are everything wrong with this sport," Gunther stated calmly, sliding the contract across the table. "You perform tricks for children. You rely on athleticism because you lack discipline. I perform violence for history." He called Styles a "performer," whereas he was a "wrestler," promising to break AJ's spirit before he broke his body. AJ Styles’ rebuttal was emotional and raw. Leaning across the table, Styles dropped his usual composure. "I've wrestled in rings you couldn't survive in, Gunther. From Japan to Europe to down the road in TNA," Styles said, his voice low and dangerous. "You call my style 'excess'? My style is survival. I am not a trick. I am the one thing you've never faced: a man who is better than you." Styles signed the contract and threw the pen at Gunther. The Ring General finally stood up, towering over Styles, but for the first time, he didn't attack. He simply smiled, seemingly pleased that his prey still had some fight left.

The build reached its boiling point on the final Raw before the Rumble, January 27. Gunther was scheduled for a tune-up match against a high-flying luchador, intended to simulate Styles’ speed. Gunther didn't just win; he made an example. He grounded his opponent, refusing to let him use the ropes, and won with a crushing Powerbomb. However, after the bell, Gunther refused to break the submission hold, wrenching back on a Boston Crab to send a message to Styles. The referee’s pleas were ignored as Gunther sought to injure the helpless competitor. AJ Styles rushed the ring for the save, sparking a chaotic brawl that the crowd had been waiting for. Styles came in hot, unloading with a flurry of strikes that backed Gunther into the corner. The crowd erupted as Styles signaled for the Phenomenal Forearm, springing off the top rope. But the launch was met with disaster. In a terrifying display of timing and power, Gunther chopped Styles out of mid-air. The sound of the impact echoed through the arena like a gunshot. Styles crumbled to the mat, clutching his chest, gasping for air. The show ended with a grim tableau. Gunther stood over the fallen legend, placing a boot on Styles’ throat while raising the World Heavyweight Championship high. There was no fear in Gunther's eyes, only validation. The message for Indianapolis was clear: AJ Styles may be Phenomenal, and his heart may be undeniable, but Gunther is invincible. At the Royal Rumble, it won't just be a clash of styles; it will be an execution of an era.

4. Undisputed WWE Championship (Ladder Match): Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens​

Context​

The friendship between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens was forged in the trenches of the war against the Bloodline. But as the Bloodline fell, a new rift emerged. Kevin Owens, the eternal anti-hero, began to see the "American Nightmare" not as a liberator, but as the new establishment. Accusing Rhodes of adopting the very "Tribal Chief" politics they once fought to destroy, Owens snapped. This isn't just a title match; it is a battle of ideologies. Rhodes fights to prove he can lead with honor, while Owens fights to smash the pedestal he believes Rhodes has put himself on.

"The Nightmare vs. The Prizefighter"

The fracture began subtly, but the break was absolute on the Raw on Netflix premiere on January 6. Following a successful tag team victory where Rhodes and Owens teamed up to defeat a common enemy, the celebration seemed routine. Rhodes raised Owens' hand, playing to the crowd, the benevolent champion sharing his spotlight. But as Rhodes went to leave the ring, Owens didn't let go of his hand. In a moment that silenced the Intuit Dome, Owens pulled Rhodes back into a short-arm clothesline that turned the champion inside out. There was no hesitation in Owens' eyes as he dragged Rhodes to the outside and powerbombed him onto the unforgiving edge of the ring apron—the hardest part of the ring. As medical staff rushed to check on the Undisputed Champion, Owens stood over him, screaming, "I didn't save you from Roman just to watch you turn into him!"

On the January 10 episode of SmackDown, Kevin Owens arrived not in wrestling gear, but in street clothes, carrying a folding chair. He hijacked the show to deliver a scathing manifesto. He accused Cody Rhodes of becoming the "Corporate Dream," pointing out the bespoke suits, the private bus, and the closed-door meetings with management. "You're not the guy who smashed the throne anymore, Cody," Owens spat into the camera. "You're the guy sitting on it. You politicked your way to the top, and now you look down on guys like me." Owens claimed that Rhodes had become exactly what they fought against: a curated, untouchable figurehead who prioritized his image over the fight. He declared that he wasn't there to win a wrestling match; he was there to beat the "suit" off of Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes responded on the January 13 Raw, sporting bruised ribs and a taped shoulder. Bypassing his usual pageantry, Rhodes marched to the ring with a darker intensity than the WWE Universe is used to seeing. He refuted Owens' claims, reminding the world that he bled for this company and for the fans, not for the board of directors. "You call me corporate, Kevin? I call it responsibility," Rhodes countered. He tried to reason with his friend, offering Owens one chance to walk away and save their history. Owens’ answer came in the form of a blindside attack from the crowd. The two brawled through the concession stand, smashing merchandise tables and throwing soda dispensers. It took the entire security team and several producers to pry them apart, proving that a standard wrestling match could not contain this animosity.

The violence escalated on the January 17 SmackDown when the two were placed in separate matches to keep them apart. However, the plan backfired spectacularly. After Owens decimated his opponent in record time, he didn't leave. He grabbed a ladder from under the ring—a foreign object that hadn't been part of the match—and set it up in the aisle, waiting for Rhodes. When Cody emerged for his main event, Owens didn't attack; he simply climbed the ladder and sat at the top, mocking the champion. He forced Rhodes to wrestle his match while literalizing the metaphor: Owens was looking down on Cody. The distraction cost Rhodes a clean win, and the night ended with Owens tipping the ladder over onto Rhodes, crushing the champion under the steel.

The General Managers of Raw and SmackDown, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, intervened on the January 20 Raw. Citing the uncontrollable brawls and the introduction of weaponry, they officially sanctioned a Ladder Match for the Royal Rumble. The logic was simple: the only way to determine a winner between two men who refuse to stay down for a three-count is to force them to retrieve the title from fifteen feet in the air. When the stipulation was announced, a disturbing grin spread across Owens' face. He took the mic and whispered, "Perfect. Now I can drop you from a height where your suit won't save you."

On the January 24 SmackDown, the psychological warfare turned venomous. Kevin Owens marched to the ring, microphone in hand, and dismantled the sacred legacy of the Rhodes family. He didn't just mock Cody; he weaponized the memory of the "American Dream." "I’ve been thinking about Dusty a lot lately," Owens began, his voice dripping with faux-sympathy. "He was the 'Son of a Plumber.' He was a man of the people who drove up and down these roads in a beat-up car just to put food on the table. And then I look at you, Cody. The three-piece suits, the private bus, the political smile. You’ve scrubbed every bit of 'common man' off your skin." Owens paused, letting the boos wash over him before delivering the dagger: "Dusty Rhodes was a hero because he was real. You’re just a brand. And I honestly think if your dad were here right now, he wouldn't be proud... he'd be embarrassed that his legacy turned into a corporate mascot."

That was the breaking point. Cody Rhodes didn't wait for a rebuttal; he snapped. The "American Nightmare" persona dissolved into pure, unadulterated rage as he stormed the ring, assaulting Owens with a steel chair. There was no pageantry, only violence. For the first time, the crowd witnessed a flash of genuine cruelty in Cody as he wrapped the chair around Owens' neck, squeezing until Owens turned purple. It took a swarm of referees threatening an immediate suspension to pry the champion off. The line between hero and villain hadn't just been blurred; in that moment of defense for his father's memory, Cody Rhodes had crossed it, giving Kevin Owens exactly the monster he claimed Cody was all along. With the Rumble just days away, Cody Rhodes called Kevin Owens to the ring for one final face-to-face. No security, no management—just two men. Owens emerged, looking relaxed, chewing gum, while Rhodes paced the ring like a caged animal. Rhodes cut the music and spoke first, his voice trembling with adrenaline.

"You say I changed, Kevin? You say the suit changed me? Look closely. Under this suit are the scars you helped me earn. You call me corporate because it's easier than admitting the truth: You hate me because I grew up, and you stayed exactly the same. You are the Prizefighter, but you're fighting for a prize you don't respect."

Owens laughed, leaning against the ropes. "Respect? I respected the Cody who left. I respected the Cody who bet on himself. But this version? This version is a mascot. You talk about growing up? I'm watching you turn into the politician your father hated. You think you're leading the charge? You're just leading a parade."

Cody stepped closer, bridging the gap. "My father didn't hate politicians, Kevin. He hated liars. And the biggest lie in this ring is that you're doing this for the 'people.' You're doing this because you can't stand that after 20 years of scratching and clawing, the guy in the suit is still the guy they chose over you. You want to drop me from a ladder? You better make sure I don't get up. Because if I get up, I'm not wrestling you for a title. I'm ending you."

Owens’ smile vanished. "You won't get up," he whispered, dropping the mic.

Owens feigned leaving, stepping through the ropes, before spinning back around with a cheap shot. But Cody was ready. He ducked the clothesline and tackled Owens, driving him into the corner. The brawl was immediate and ugly. Rhodes tore Owens' shirt; Owens raked Cody’s eyes. They tumbled to the outside, where Owens grabbed the ring bell, looking to maim the champion. Cody kicked it out of his hand and tackled Owens over the announce table, sending monitors flying. Security rushed down, but Rhodes grabbed a steel chair, swinging wildly to keep them back. He stood on top of the announce table, chair raised, while a bloodied Owens smiled maniacally from the floor, wiping blood from his mouth and signaling for Cody to bring it. The show went off the air with the two men being physically restrained by the entire locker room, screaming promises of violence for Saturday night.

The final chapter before the Rumble unfolded on the January 31 SmackDown with a high-stakes main event: Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn. In a grueling, 20-minute classic that reminded the world of their lifelong bond, Owens secured the victory with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. But as Zayn offered a handshake of respect, Owens’ eyes went cold. He pulled Sami in and leveled him with a Stunner, followed by a vicious beatdown with a steel chair. This drew out Cody Rhodes, who sprinted to the ring to make the save. The save quickly dissolved into chaos as Rhodes and Owens brawled around ringside, wielding ladders as weapons. The show went off the air with an iconic visual: both men perched atop separate ladders in the center of the ring, trading thunderous punches while the Undisputed WWE Championship dangled just inches above their heads—a portrait of violence suspended in the air.

Predictions for these matches and the rest of the card will be given during the Royal Rumble Countdown Show

Confirmed for Royal Rumble 2025 Card​

• Undisputed WWE Championship (Ladder Match) Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
• World Heavyweight Championship Gunther (c) vs. AJ Styles
• Women's World Championship Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
• Grudge Tag Team Match The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) vs. The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga)

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