Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, is shaping up to be a major event as WWE prepares for the weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. Among the returning stars reportedly backstage is none other than Cody Rhodes, a top performer currently associated with SmackDown, signaling potential brand-crossing storylines or surprise developments.
Cody Rhodes’ Surprise Raw Appearance: What It Could Mean
According to reliable reports from PWInsiderElite.com, Cody Rhodes is expected to make an appearance on Raw tonight, a notable occurrence since Rhodes has been prominently featured on the SmackDown brand. This crossover is intriguing, as WWE often keeps Raw and SmackDown rosters distinct except for special occasions or pay-per-view events.
A WWE insider shared, “Cody’s presence in Anaheim tonight is purposeful. The company wants to ramp up storylines and build momentum heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event. Expect some fireworks with Cody’s involvement”[2].
This could hint at several possibilities, such as:
- Cody aligning with Raw talent for an upcoming feud or alliance.
- A tease for a future brand switch or storyline advancement.
- A special segment or confrontation designed to boost viewership ahead of the weekend.
Other Key Stars and Matches Confirmed For Raw
In addition to Rhodes, several other top WWE stars and significant matches are set for tonight’s Raw, ensuring a compelling show for fans tuning in from Anaheim and worldwide.
High Stakes Matches Announced
- Rusev vs. Penta for the Men’s Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match.
- Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria.
- Nikki Bella vs. Roxanne Perez, a “first time ever” match blending two generations of WWE’s women’s division[1][2].
Additionally, the presence of LA Knight, Rhea Ripley, and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch is advertised, though their specific roles remain under wraps, adding an extra layer of suspense[2].
Face-Offs to Watch
A notable verbal confrontation is expected between former allies CM Punk and Jey Uso, which could ignite a heated storyline in upcoming weeks[2].
Santos Escobar Also Expected To Appear
Alongside Cody Rhodes, another top-tier talent from WWE’s roster, Santos Escobar, is reportedly at the event[2]. Escobar’s presence suggests WWE is preparing for intricate storylines involving multiple brands, possibly setting the stage for cross-brand rivalries or special appearances that elevate Raw’s viewing appeal ahead of Saturday.
Building Momentum For Saturday Night’s Main Event
This week’s Raw holds extra significance as WWE uses the platform to build hype for the Saturday Night’s Main Event event. Cody Rhodes’s unexpected Raw appearance could be a strategic move to surprise fans and drive story continuity into the weekend’s marquee show.
A source close to Cody Rhodes indicated, “He’s looking forward to shaking things up. WWE wants to keep fans on the edge of their seats, and bridging SmackDown stars onto Raw is a perfect way to do that right now”[2].
Anaheim: The Spotlight Location
The choice to host this pivotal Raw episode in Anaheim, California, at the Honda Center aligns with WWE’s tradition of staging key shows in vibrant big-city venues that draw large live crowds and energetic atmospheres, enhancing the spectacle for storylines and star appearances[3].
What To Expect Tonight
Fans attending or watching can anticipate surprises, cross-brand interactions, and high-octane matches. Cody Rhodes’s presence alone promises new twists in ongoing feuds or fresh narrative arcs that may redefine alignments.
Matches involving rising women’s stars like Roxanne Perez and veterans like Nikki Bella also point to a generational clash that WWE is keen to spotlight, complementing the male championship contention bouts[1][2].