At a recent WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXVII, the sports world was abuzz after Kevin Owens ambushed Cody Rhodes in the aftermath of their match. Further detailed reporting has emerged to provide more insight into the reasoning behind executing this strategic move.
When Owens delivered a package piledriver on Rhodes, despite his inability to secure the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the main event match on Saturday, it has been reported that this outcome was carefully planned to ensure no leaks about the match result.
According to Fightful Select, the decision was made to run this scene in order to keep the result of the Saturday match firmly under wraps. During the previous week, WWE filmed two episodes of SmackDown back-to-back so that the wrestlers could get some time off for holidays. This arrangement meant that Rhodes and Owens could not perform any action in front of the live audience to avoid potentially revealing the outcome.
Therefore, to circumnavigate this restriction, the WWE utilized the surprise post-match attack. This allowed the necessary filming to take place without both Rhodes and Owens being present.
Initial plans had called for airing the assault scene during the SmackDown broadcast, and featuring Owens in a backstage scene over the weekend.
In related news, WWE posted an update about Rhodes’ medical condition, revealing a diagnosis of axial compression of the cervical spine and a cervical strain with associated spasms. In an official post, WWE stated,
“Cody Rhodes injury update following Saturday Night’s Main Event. The historic return of Saturday Night’s Main Event concluded with Cody Rhodes holding onto the Undisputed WWE Title in a thrilling match. Yet, the night ended on a sour note as Kevin Owens launched a severe attack on The American Nightmare just as the broadcast finished.”
“It was confirmed earlier today that Cody Rhodes experienced cervical swelling and was kept for overnight observation at a local hospital. Although the X-rays didn’t reveal any fractures, official medical diagnosis discloses axial compression of the cervical spine as well as the presence of a cervical strain with spasm. Be sure to follow WWE on social media for the latest updates on the Undisputed WWE Champion’s status.”
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