WWE Backlash 2024: 10 Things That Must Happen

3. Cody Rhodes Retains

WWE Backlash 2024 France Cody Rhodes Jacob Fatu
WWE.com

No-brainer, huh?

AJ Styles is one of those workers WWE can slot into matches like this with supreme confidence. The bosses know he'll deliver the goods, and his career-long credibility makes it easy for fans to get invested. 'AJ has been champ before, so what if...?' That sort of thing. It's why Styles is one of the best to ever do it.

However, Cody Rhodes literally just finished his story at 'Mania. He doesn't want to kick off another one. There's just no way Hunter takes the title from Cody during his first PLE title defence - Rhodes will be relied upon to carry the WWE brand for the rest of 2024 and into the new year. This 'American Nightmare' is a PR team's dream.

Of course, there will be a few meaty near falls along the way. AJ can always come close with a Styles Clash, or perhaps even hit his Phenomenal Forearm for a looooooong two count. The success of Cody's title run may depend on his ability to show weakness. That starts here.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.