Why is Cody Rhodes relinquishing his WWE Championship ahead of Royal Rumble 2025? Exploring the possibilities

(Courtesy : WWE/Netflix)
‘The American Nightmare’ will battle Kevin Owens at the first PLE of 2025
‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes is set to battle his former friend Kevin Owens in a ladder match at the Royal Rumble 2025 PLE. This is a rematch from their meeting last month at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The animosity between the two stars is unreal and both of them don’t have the patience to wait till February 1. This constant clash has irked General Manager Nick Aldis who has now ordered Cody to relinquish the Undisputed WWE title.
On the 01/17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Kevin Owens took on WWE legend Rey Mysterio. Despite tough opposition, Owens was able to secure the victory and pin Mysterio in front of his home crowd of San Diego.
However, in true KO fashion, he attacked Mystyerio after the match and was about to land the package piledriver when Rhodes showed up leading to a brawl between the two. After this segment, Rhodes was engaged in a heated confrontation with Aldis backstage.
Aldis who had already run out of patience that night when he tried the two stars to get the contract signed, stated that the two stars will relinquish their respective title at SNME next week and both the titles will be hung above the ring in the ladder match at Royal Rumble PLE.
Shawn Michaels will moderate the contract signing between Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens
Aldis also revealed that a contract signing between the two will take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event and “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michael will be the mediator between the two in San Antonio.
Owens has been holding the Winged Eagle title since December 14 Saturday Night’s Main Event where he attacked Rhodes and took the Winged Eagle title which was given on loan by WWE CCO Triple H. Aldis’ statement that both stars have to relinquish the title indicates that the winner at Royal Rumble will claim both the titles.
The reason Cody Rhodes is relinquishing the title is purely kayfabe and is being used to build hype. The title will be suspended above the ring for the upcoming Clash event, and with the addition of a contract signing moderated by Shawn Michaels, this first PLE of 2025 is sure to turn heads.
The contract signing at SNME next week will also add to the storyline making the clash even more intriguing for fans. Apart from the segment, three matches have been announced for the SNME card with Gunther defending the World Heavyweight title against Jey Uso and Bron Breakker defending the Intercontinental title against Sheamus.
A fan-favorite clash between two Titans is also set for the show as Braun Strowman will lock horns with Jacob Fatu. The showdown of epic proportions will create earth-shattering moments in the Frost Bank Center.
Who do you think will reclaim both titles at Royal Rumble PLE? What are your predictions for the SNME January 25 card? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.
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