Roman Reigns Returns to Help Cody Rhodes Retain Undisputed WWE Title at SummerSlam

Cody Rhodes beat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 to win the Undisputed WWE World Title, but he had a new Tribal Chief to face at SummerSlam. There was a lot of intrigue going into that match, including the possibility that Roman Reigns might return, and it all went down in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Solo Sikoa has been on a tear since he took over the Bloodline. He ejected Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman and eventually focused his attention on Cody Rhodes. That set up a big match at SummerSlam, as WWE was reportedly considering ideas for Roman Reigns’ return.

This match was made into a Bloodline Rules match during the August 2 episode of WWE SmackDown, adding more danger and unpredictability to the match. Solo Sikoa made his way to the ring without any of the Bloodline with him.

Cody Rhodes’s entrance included a walk-up from his bus from the backstage area, and he had his dog, Pharaoh, by his side. Cody stopped and hugged Arn Anderson, who was backstage. Double A told Cody that he’s a “damn fine WWE Champion,” but he also advised Cody to know that the Bloodline is coming for him, but he still has friends on the way to help him. Cody put on a mask that looked like his American Nightmare logo for his entrance, and that got a pop from the crowd.

Cleveland fans chanted “F*ck you, Solo” before the match even started. Fans were all behind Cody as they got started slowly, and then Rhodes nailed a dive on Solo. Sikoa hit him with a right hand when he tried it again. The match continued with Solo in control as he hit a few moves, but Cody wouldn’t give up. The American Nightmare kicked away a Samoan Spike to hit a Cody Cutter.

The match carried on, and Cody found himself in the Tree of Woe. Solo said, “I’m gonna beat your ass in front of your whole family,” and that is what he proceeded to do until Cody moved to avoid a third diving headbutt from Sikoa. Cody nailed a moonsault into a crossbody off the top rope, and they carried on from there.

Cody nailed a superplex but couldn’t get a pinfall attempt in time. After Solo looked like he was going to hit a Crossroads, Cody turned it around and nailed his finisher. Suddenly, the Bloodline flooded the ring to take Cody Rhodes down.

Suddenly, Kevin Owens ran down to the ring to help out. As Owens fought the Bloodline off, he was quickly outnumbered. That is when Randy Orton’s music hit, and The Apex Predator made his way to the ring. Some RKOs and Stunners helped fight off the rest of the Bloodline, which was capped off with a senton from the top on Solo. Then Cody hit a Crossroads for a two count.

Cody Rhodes brought the steel ring steps into the ring, and he nailed Solo with a few hard shots, but Sikoa hit a spear for a two count. Then Solo set up the steps in the corner and placed Cody against them, but Rhodes moved to send Solo against the steps by himself. Cody nailed two Crossroads moves, but Jacob Fatu jumped in the ring to take Cody down. Jacob placed Solo across Cody, but he kicked out at two.

Jacob Fatu cleared off the announce table next, and he put Cody on it. Fatu nailed Cody with a splash through the announce table. Jacob appeared to have hurt his knee with that move, and he told Solo to finish the match. Solo got Cody in the ring and hit a splash for a two count.

Cody rallied again, and he hit a Cody Cutter from the top rope. Suddenly, Roman Reigns’ music hit, and the Head of the Table made his way to the ring. This popped Cleveland Browns Stadium in a huge way. Roman had an OTC shirt on, which stands for Original Tribal Chief.

Solo Sikoa looked like he saw a ghost as he ate a Superman Punch and a spear. Roman looked at Cody and surveyed the packed crowd in Cleveland before he simply left the ring and made his way back. Cody then finished it all with a Crossroads to get the win.

What is your take on how WWE booked the Undisputed World Title match at SummerSlam? Do you think Cody Rhodes is capable of carrying the title until WrestleMania 41? Let us know what you think in the comments section!