9 Ups & 0 Downs From WWE SmackDown (7 Mar - Results & Review)

2. Cody Rhodes Shows Why He's Top Babyface

As aforementioned, Randy Orton got his best points across and built his own match with Kevin Owens without stepping on any toes or stealing any of Cody's thunder. Rhodes knows all too well what it's like to do most of the heavy lifting for matches. He's done that before, and cutting 10-15 minute long in-ring promos in front of live crowds with meagre material hasn't always worked out well for him.

Cody came pre-armed and forewarned on Friday night. He positively nailed every bit of his speech in Philly. It shouldn't be downplayed just how difficult it was to put a fine point on John Cena's heel turn and follow up on events at Chamber without Cena, The Rock or even the unwanted Travis Scott to play off of in person. Rhodes knocked this one out of the park from minute one.

He talked about how fans in the local area chose him years ago at Money In The Bank 2013. There, almost 12 years ago, the fine patrons of Pennsylvania got behind a young rising star with a goofy moustache who was literally and figuratively trying to climb the ladder towards success. Then, at 'Mania 40 last year, Philadelphia was with Cody once more.

Some of the best promos Rhodes has cut mention his famous father Dusty, and this one did too. Cody said that Dust was actually kinda afraid of working in the city because he thought wrestling fans would judge him harshly. This added yet another layer of humanity to somebody who has become a master of organic popularity.

What a promo. If this is a sign of things to come from Cody during 'Mania 41 season, then we're all in for a treat. Hopefully, Cena and/or The Rock will show up more often to meet him halfway.