The world of professional wrestling witnessed a massive plot twist at the latest episode of WWE SmackDown on January 9, 2026, as Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in a thrilling contest to claim the top prize, dethroning reigning champion Kevin Owens in a shocking turn of events. What fueled this drastic change in creative direction? Sources close to the AEW stalwart reveal that the change was, in fact, a brainchild of Rhodes himself.
A Mastermind Behind the Scenes
WWE insiders point to Cody Rhodes as the main driving force behind this sudden shift in SmackDown’s narrative. According to well-placed sources, Rhodes had been quietly pitching his vision to the WWE creative team for weeks, pushing for a drastic change in the championship landscape. This bold move not only speaks volumes about Rhodes’ ambition but also highlights his unwavering dedication to his craft.
“It’s no secret that Cody’s been itching to get his hands on that gold for a while now,” a WWE insider revealed exclusively to this publication. “He’s been making his presence known in the locker room, and it looks like his persistence finally paid off. This title change is a testament to Rhodes’ willingness to take calculated risks and seize opportunities.”
Kevin Owens Left Reeling
The aftermath of Rhodes’ triumph saw Kevin Owens left stunned and reeling, a victim of the unexpected upheaval. As the new champion basked in the adoration of the Berlin crowd, Owens could be seen walking off the stage, visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events. It remains to be seen how the Canadian superstar will respond to this new challenge, but one thing is certain – he’ll have to regroup and refocus if he hopes to regain his title.
Owens, a stalwart of the WWE roster, has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Sources close to the wrestler suggest that he’s already begun to regroup, with a potential title rematch high on his priority list.
“Kevin’s a fighter, and he won’t take this lying down,” a WWE source close to Owens revealed. “He’ll be looking to regroup and come back stronger than ever. We’re expecting a thrilling rematch between these two wrestling giants in the near future.”
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
Cody Rhodes, now the proud holder of the SmackDown Championship, has his work cut out for him. With the WWE universe watching his every move, Rhodes will need to demonstrate his ability to lead and inspire his peers. This presents a unique opportunity for the talented wrestler to cement his status as a top-tier performer and establish himself as a legitimate force to be reckoned with.
“Cody’s got a lot on his plate right now, but he’s always been someone who thrives under pressure,” a WWE insider pointed out. “He’s got the talent, the charisma, and the drive to make this work. Expect big things from Cody Rhodes in the coming weeks and months.”
As the WWE world continues to buzz with excitement over this unexpected title change, one thing’s for certain – Cody Rhodes has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling. What’s next for this talented wrestler? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain – the journey ahead is going to be an exhilarating one.