Why Bully Ray Says Cody Rhodes Must Retain at WWE Royal Rumble

One Big Thing

WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray warns against Cody Rhodes losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble, citing potential fan backlash and booking complications.

Key Details

• Rhodes defends his title against Owens in a ladder match at Royal Rumble
• Match represents Owens’ final opportunity at the championship
• Owens hasn’t held a world title since 2016

Why It Matters

The outcome of this match could significantly impact WWE’s road to WrestleMania 40, particularly regarding the Royal Rumble match later that night.

Direct Quote

If Cody loses to Kevin early in the night, and then enters in the Rumble and Cody wins, people will turn on Cody,” Bully Ray said on Busted Open Radio.

By The Numbers

• Rhodes is in his first reign as Undisputed WWE Champion
• This marks Owens’ first world title shot in 2024
• The ladder match stipulation adds unpredictability to the outcome

The Stakes

Bully Ray identifies multiple compelling candidates for the Royal Rumble win:

• CM Punk
• John Cena
• Roman Reigns

The Bottom Line

While the ladder match format creates uncertainty, a Rhodes loss could derail WWE’s WrestleMania plans and risk fan rejection if he enters and wins the Royal Rumble match later.

What do you think about Bully Ray’s assessment? Should WWE keep the title on Cody Rhodes heading into WrestleMania season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.