6 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE Bash In Berlin (Results & Review)

Ups…

6. KO Stays True

WWE storytelling is rarely subtle. Oftentimes, they signpost things so obviously that it almost feels like they’re trying to wrong-foot you.

With Kevin Owens challenging his longtime friend Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, the open question was whether KO would revert to his old ways and turn on yet another friend in pursuit of championship glory. Grayson Waller even played a video showing all the times Owens had betrayed a buddy in the past.

That issue lingered throughout the build and during the match itself, with KO being unable to pull the trigger on attacking Rhodes’ injured knee or hit an apron powerbomb. WWE’s penchant for overdoing the drama weighed this down a bit, but the overall message here was great: Owens didn’t turn on Cody. He hugged Rhodes afterward and raised his hand in a sign of respect.

Not only does this subvert your expectations (and WWE’s ominous warnings), but it also presents a possible contrast down the line. With Randy Orton – Owens and Rhodes’ other ally against the Bloodline – losing his World Heavyweight Championship match, there’s always the specter of the Viper having eyes for Cody’s title and turning on him. If and when that happens, KO not turning on Rhodes would only help magnify the severity of the transgression.

Selfishly, it’s also just refreshing to see WWE not do the lazy, easy thing and have Owens turn on his world champion buddy. If it helps inform an Orton betrayal later, then that is even better.