Cody Rhodes, the new WWE Champion, made a significant appearance on WWE SmackDown following his victory at WrestleMania XL. The show kicked off with Rhodes addressing the audience, where he notably stated, "Who the hell told you tonight was open mic night…bitch." This statement, alongside his presence, marked the beginning of his reign and set the tone for the evening. WWE SmackDown also featured two triple threat matches to determine the number 1 contender for Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship. LA Knight emerged victorious in one of these matches by pinning Santos Escobar, advancing him to next week's number 1 contender's match. The event underscored the impact of WrestleMania XL's outcomes, with Paul Heyman acknowledging that the locker room now belongs to the champion, Cody Rhodes, emphasizing the importance of wins and losses within the WWE narrative. Additionally, an attempt by Legado del Fantasma to take over was thwarted.
YEAH!!! @RealLAKnight moves one step closer to #WWEBacklash! #SmackDown https://t.co/I3vJzYJKN5
LA Knight wins! Let's go!!!!! #SmackDown https://t.co/Y56jsscZcA
Not so fast! Legado del Fantasma tried to take over, but The #StreetProfits & @TheVibeBri had other ideas 👊 #SmackDown https://t.co/6wrDFqCeaT
LA Knight pins Santos Escobar & wins the first triple threat match! #SmackDown https://t.co/gqIyc6Fcmw
LA Knight wins the triple threat & advances to next week’s number 1 contenders match. #SmackDown https://t.co/5BO6K2ElOm
This camera angle for this spot >>>> #SmackDown https://t.co/lay9uiwa5i
Cody Rhodes: Who The Hell Told You Tonight Was Open Mic Night, Bitch!? https://t.co/dLVhJyacGw
Paul Heyman acknowledges the impact of wins & losses. Losing at WrestleMania meant that The Bloodline’s locker room now belongs to the Champion Cody Rhodes. If they want it back they need the Championship back. #SmackDown https://t.co/XQ1yLvhy1E
Who will head to Lyon, France to face @CodyRhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship?! The Road to #WWEBacklash starts TONIGHT on #SmackDown! https://t.co/snEjuajnDA
Who do you want to see Cody defend the title against first? #SmackDown https://t.co/FlDP6RukDB
"I will be standing right here" Word to The Final Boss, @CodyRhodes will be waiting 😤 #SmackDown https://t.co/cyLLl0sLx8
“Who the hell told you tonight was open mic night…bitch.” — Cody Rhodes #SmackDown https://t.co/5x1zygUqpF
Ladies and gentlemen, your WWE CHAMPION…@CodyRhodes! #SmackDown https://t.co/VzRngFZFnn
This reaction for Cody is insane. #SmackDown
Ladies and gentleman, your WWE CHAMPION…@CodyRhodes! #SmackDown https://t.co/qHlm7iYt42
Cody Rhodes is kicking off the show. #SmackDown https://t.co/TSAVU8pZKK
WWE SmackDown (4/12/2024) Results: Cody Rhodes, Bayley Appear, Fallout of WrestleMania XL, More https://t.co/eKwUQ4WcDn
Your winning combo for these triple threat matches tonight: #SmackDown https://t.co/i1zrNCj0Pn
TONIGHT on #SmackDown TWO Triple Threat Matches with the winners facing each other next week to determine who will earn the right to challenge the new WWE Champion @CodyRhodes! @FightOwensFight vs. @reymysterio vs. @AJStylesOrg @RealLAKnight vs. @fightbobby vs. @EscobarWWE https://t.co/Oz63WoDaoW
How would you react if he interrupts Cody tonight? #SmackDown https://t.co/7ZzO1L7DwM
ANNOUNCED: Tonight on #SmackDown there will be 2 triple threat matches with the winners of each facing each other next week to become number 1 contender for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship. • Kevin Owens v Rey Mysterio v AJ Styles • Bobby Lashley v LA Knight v Santos…
#SmackDown General Manager @RealNickAldis has some BREAKING NEWS for #SmackDown tonight! Get ready for two huge Triple Threat Matches to determine who will square off one-on-one next week with the winner going on to face the new WWE Champion @CodyRhodes! 8/7c FOX https://t.co/HhGrASWu98
AEW Shows All In Backstage Footage | WrestleMania XL Review | Coexisting w/ Rob & Maggie | 4/12/24 https://t.co/mKFwOzVh32
Advertised card for the #SmackDown after ‘Mania tonight: • New Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes • New WWE Women’s Champion Bayley https://t.co/udwzpfDjCg
Tonight’s #SmackDown is set to feature 2 triple threat matches to name a brand new #1 contender. As of now those matches are: Kevin Owens vs Rey Mysterio vs AJ Styles and Santos Escobar vs LA Knight vs Bobby Lashley. With the winners going one on one next week.
WWE SmackDown Preview, Start Time, How To Watch (4/12): Bayley And Cody Rhodes To Appear https://t.co/dgd5MlWCoT
WrestleMania Fallout, CM Punk Tapes, Finish The Story -- GKW -- April 11, 2024 | #WWE #AEW https://t.co/ezJ18fX2Hx
Charlotte Flair says Cody Rhodes is a testament to knowing your worth. "I really think his story is just beginning. He’s exactly where he should be. The biggest takeaway is that Cody was here. He went away, he came back. Kind of like Paul Heyman’s speech at the Hall of Fame --… https://t.co/pTiAtDPEU2
Cody Rhodes Finishes His Story, CM Punk-All In Footage Airs | Spotlight (4/11) https://t.co/BjN86xdGyu