5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (19 July - Results & Review)

3. Cody Rhodes References History

Cody's opening promo was a vehicle for two things. One, kill time for A-Town Down Under's ambush to set up the main event tag later on. Two, shine a spotlight on boxer Terence Crawford at ringside. He handed Cody a steel chair so he could fend off the heels. Apparently, nobody wanted to take an uppercut. Shame.

The opening speech from Rhodes was all functional stuff, but it did include one gem: Cody mentioned that he previously looked Solo Sikoa in the eye before WrestleMania 39 in 2023 and told him he wasn't ready. Then, Solo was a difference maker in helping Roman retain vs. Rhodes on the big night.

Fast forward to today, and Sikoa is about to challenge Cody for the gold. This guy always appreciates it when WWE acknowledges the past. That's even true when it's the recent past. The company produces so much content that April 2023 feels like a lifetime ago, so it's nice Triple H didn't forget some history between current title foes.

Cody's promo was worth it for that bit alone.