WWE Backlash 2024: Spoiler on Cody Rhodes’ championship reign

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After "finishing the story" at WrestleMania XL, Cody Rhodes will go through his first Undisputed WWE Championship defense at Backlash France premium live event, tonight against AJ Styles in a first-time-ever matchup.

Styles defeated his WrestleMania adversary LA Knight in a contender's match, a few weeks ago to become the new challenger of the WWE Title and this is the very first time in multiple years that he will compete in a solo match for the prime championship.

However, chances are very low that The Phenomenal One will end up becoming the new champion at Backlash as he does not have momentums by his side. Furthermore, WWE doesn't have any intrigue plans reserved for the title as of right now.

Per the reports of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Cody Rhodes doesn't have the risk of losing the WWE Title until The Rock or Roman Reigns returns, since WWE doesn't have any "big-time" direction for the ongoing title reign.

"Rhodes has no real big-time direction until Rock and Roman Reigns are back in the picture. The other biggest star on the brand is Randy Orton, but they're doing nothing to tease anything in that direction."

Since Randy Orton is another babyface name on the SmackDown brand, it seems Rhodes will not square off against him for the WWE Title, anytime soon. However, there are new heel stars who could end up becoming new challengers following Backlash.

Speaking of the international PLE, CM Punk will be part of the show. Alongside Big E and Jackie Redmond, the top star power of the red brand is likely to grace the PLE pre-show panel since his current adversary isn't booked for the main show.

The 2024 WWE Backlash premium live event will take place tonight at the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, Lyon, France. Interestingly, WWE has only confirmed five matches for the show and those are given below:

• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against AJ Styles
• World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest defends against Jey Uso
• Women's Tag Team Champions Asuka & Kairi Sane defend against Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill
• WWE Women's Champion Bayley defends against Naomi & Tiffany Stratton in a triple threat
• The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga vs. Kevin Owens & Randy Orton