Cody Rhodes Beats Kevin Owens to Retain WWE Title at Bash in Berlin 2024

Cody Rhodes beat Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin on Saturday to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Despite dealing with an injured knee, Rhodes got his knees up to thwart an Owens swanton and then hit him with Cross Rhodes to secure the victory.

Given his friendship with Rhodes, KO was conflicted throughout the match regarding whether he should attack the knee, and he even stopped himself from hitting The American Nightmare with an apron powerbomb at one point.

Despite his frustration over the loss, Owens embraced Rhodes after the match, suggesting they are still in a good place.

Owens has been one of Rhodes' biggest allies in recent months during The American Nightmare's rivalry with The Bloodline, and his appreciation for KO is what led to their match at Bash in Berlin.

Rhodes put the WWE title on the line against Solo Sikoa in the main event of SummerSlam, and it saw Bloodline members Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and Jacob Fatu get involved on Solo's behalf.

Owens and Randy Orton helped even the odds, while the returning Roman Reigns took out Sikoa with a Spear, allowing Rhodes to retain.

On the ensuing episode of SmackDown, Sikoa demanded a rematch against Rhodes at Bash in Berlin. When the champion declined, The Bloodline attempted to attack him, but Owens made the save with a steel chair in hand.

After KO had his back yet again, Rhodes showed his gratitude by offering The Prizefighter a title shot. While Owens turned it down due to feeling like he hadn't earned it, his friend insisted and said he would talk to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.

When Owens found Rhodes and Aldis backstage, he reiterated that he didn't feel he deserved a title shot and urged the GM to give it to someone who did.

Aldis noted that he planned on talking to Reigns about getting his WWE Championship rematch after losing the title to The American Nightmare at WrestleMania 40, which infuriated Owens.

KO made it clear that he didn't believe Reigns was deserving, pointing out the fact that The Original Tribal Chief needed help from The Bloodline on numerous occasions in order to remain champion for over 1,300 days.

The conversation concluded with Aldis making Rhodes vs. Owens official for Bash in Berlin despite The Prizefighter's objections.

Rhodes went on to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship against his friend in Germany, perhaps setting the stage for a rematch with Reigns in the near future when The OTC returns from an attack at the hands of The Bloodline.

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