WWE WrestleMania 40 Sunday saw Cody Rhodes dethroning Roman Reigns as the Undisputed WWE Champion and he is set for his first title defense at Backlash this week. Following SmackDown this week, Rhodes hinted at more Premium Live Events in France.
The May 3 episode of WWE SmackDown took place at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France, serving as a prelude to WWE Backlash on May 4. This year’s Premium Live Event is set to take place at the same venue.
The Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, headlined the final segment of SmackDown with a face-to-face encounter with his Backlash opponent, AJ Styles. Following this segment, Rhodes competed in a dark match, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura.
In a WWE SmackDown Exclusive, Cody Rhodes addressed the crowd after his match, sharing his excitement for the upcoming Backlash event. Rhodes also hinted at more Premium Live Events in France in the future, adding that it also depends on how much the French fans really want it.
Are you guys ready for Backlash? Hopefully, you can understand me. If not, forgive me. Question for the audience. Who was here when WWE came to Paris? I don’t know if you remember what I told you, but what I said was, if you stay that loud, if you stay that proud, WWE will bring a PLE to France. Tonight is the first time in my entire career where, during an interview segment, I could not hear myself. I could not hear AJ Styles. I gotta be honest, I loved it. Please, I know you’ve seen me twice already. You’ve been wonderful. But I’m gonna give you every single thing I have in my body tomorrow against AJ Styles. What I ask in return, France, is you to do the same, and we do this together. How do you say it in French? I love you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, guys. I love you very much. Enjoy tomorrow.
This is your PLE. If you bring the same energy you had today, and you bring it tomorrow, who’s to say another PLE doesn’t come to France? God bless you. I want to quickly think this wonderful crew, who’s standing by, waiting. Samantha [Irvin], who’s been willing it all night long. God bless you guys. Enjoy this evening. I cannot wait to see each and every one of you tomorrow. Have a great night. Take care of one another. I love you. Be safe, guys. Good night.”
Regardless, we’ll have to wait and see how The American Nightmare will fare against AJ Styles during the Backlash Premium Live Event, as there is certainly a ton of hype for the bout now.
Do you want to see more Premium Live Events in France? Sound off in the comments section below!