The WWE SmackDown episode took place on Friday at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France, leading up to WWE Backlash. Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Champion, made an appearance during the final segment of SmackDown to promote his title defense against AJ Styles at Backlash.
Rhodes later participated in a dark match, going over Shinsuke Nakamura. Following his win, Rhodes took the opportunity to address the live audience.
“Are you guys ready for Backlash? Hopefully, you can understand me. If not, forgive me. Question for the audience. Who was here when WWE came to Paris? I don’t know if you remember what I told you, but what I said was, if you stay that loud, if you stay that proud, WWE will bring a PLE to France. Tonight is the first time in my entire career where, during an interview segment, I could not hear myself. I could not hear AJ Styles. I gotta be honest, I loved it. Please, I know you’ve seen me twice already. You’ve been wonderful. But I’m gonna give you every single thing I have in my body tomorrow against AJ Styles. What I ask in return, France, is you to do the same, and we do this together. How do you say it in French? I love you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, guys. I love you very much. Enjoy tomorrow. This is your PLE. If you bring the same energy you had today, and you bring it tomorrow, who’s to say another PLE doesn’t come to France? God bless you. I want to quickly think this wonderful crew, who’s standing by, waiting. Samantha [Irvin], who’s been willing it all night long. God bless you guys. Enjoy this evening. I cannot wait to see each and every one of you tomorrow. Have a great night. Take care of one another. I love you. Be safe, guys. Good night,” Rhodes said.
The WWE SmackDown episode took place on Friday at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France, leading up to WWE Backlash. Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Champion, made an appearance during the final segment of SmackDown to promote his title defense against AJ Styles at Backlash.
Rhodes later participated in a dark match, going over Shinsuke Nakamura. Following his win, Rhodes took the opportunity to address the live audience.
“Are you guys ready for Backlash? Hopefully, you can understand me. If not, forgive me. Question for the audience. Who was here when WWE came to Paris? I don’t know if you remember what I told you, but what I said was, if you stay that loud, if you stay that proud, WWE will bring a PLE to France. Tonight is the first time in my entire career where, during an interview segment, I could not hear myself. I could not hear AJ Styles. I gotta be honest, I loved it. Please, I know you’ve seen me twice already. You’ve been wonderful. But I’m gonna give you every single thing I have in my body tomorrow against AJ Styles. What I ask in return, France, is you to do the same, and we do this together. How do you say it in French? I love you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, guys. I love you very much. Enjoy tomorrow. This is your PLE. If you bring the same energy you had today, and you bring it tomorrow, who’s to say another PLE doesn’t come to France? God bless you. I want to quickly think this wonderful crew, who’s standing by, waiting. Samantha [Irvin], who’s been willing it all night long. God bless you guys. Enjoy this evening. I cannot wait to see each and every one of you tomorrow. Have a great night. Take care of one another. I love you. Be safe, guys. Good night,” Rhodes said.