One Big Thing
Kevin Owens will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship in a ladder match at Royal Rumble 2025 on February 1, with both the official title and the stolen Winged Eagle belt at stake.
Why It Matters
This match represents a significant escalation in the Rhodes-Owens rivalry, with the ladder match stipulation adding a dangerous new element to their ongoing championship dispute.
Key Details
- Match announcement made on December 27 SmackDown episode
- Follows Owens’ attack on Rhodes with a package piledriver at Saturday Night’s Main Event
- Both the current WWE Championship and Winged Eagle belt will be suspended above the ring
- Marks their third championship encounter in recent months
By The Numbers
- 2 previous title matches between Rhodes and Owens
- 1 stolen championship belt in Owens’ possession
- 34 days until Royal Rumble 2025
Owens’ Response
In a backstage video posted to WWE’s social media, Owens responded to the announcement with a brief but telling statement: “I got what I wanted, idiots.”
Background Context
- Owens lost cleanly to Rhodes at Bash in Berlin
- Failed to win at Saturday Night’s Main Event
- Currently possesses the stolen Winged Eagle WWE Championship belt
- Claims to be the legitimate WWE Champion despite official records
What’s Next
The ladder match stipulation promises a brutal contest between these rivals, with both men willing to risk everything to prove they’re the true WWE Champion.
What do you think about this high-stakes ladder match announcement? Share your predictions in the comments below.