Cody Rhodes has been a fighting champion since becoming the TNT Champion, already amassing four defenses of the championship, having beaten Jungle Boy, Marq Quen, Ricky Starks and Jake Hager. However, there is no rest for a fighting champion, and everyone wants to win the TNT Championship. His next challenger is Sonny Kiss, who will be entering the biggest chance of his wrestling career. He’s honed his skills on AEW Dark, learned from Cody’s older brother, and has proven to be one of the most athletic men on the AEW roster. Would all this be enough to become champion, and break the eleven match win streak of Cody?
This Should Have Been An Easy Win For Cody Rhodes
Cody would start the match fast with a pump kick, taking Kiss down as soon as the bell rang. He’d hang him up on the ropes with a suplex, before doing some push ups to mock his opponent. Kiss would try to send him over the top, but he’d slip back. One Nightmare Kick later and Kiss would be back down, rolling to the outside. Cody would eat a rolling elbow getting back in the ring, with Kiss getting control of the match. After a rough start, he’d get back in the match, but the handspring strike would be countered into a Full Nelson.
Kiss would rally back to his feet and break the hold, not ready to give up yet. He’d get an armdrag, hit a beautiful dropkick, and a great suplex. There was some fight left in Kiss, who’d hit a hurricanrana off the middle rope. Cody came back with a lariat, but Kiss dodged with a back arch, and hitting a headscissors, sending Cody into the corner. He’d be propped in the corner and hit with a cartwheel kick. Cody lost his rhythm early, and Kiss recognized this. A splits leg drop would be dodged, but Kiss would counter the Cross Rhodes with one of his own, nearly beating Cody with his own move. Kiss would go for a 450 Splash, and nearly get the win. That was his best shot, but it wasn’t enough to stop Cody.
Sonny Kiss Gets Overwhelmed
Cody would counter a headscissors, and throw Kiss hard onto the ramp. Getting mean, Cody would capitalize and hit an Alabama Slam right on the ramp. Bob Holly would be proud of that one. Kiss would get his foot on to the bottom rope to stay in this match, but there wasn’t much left in the tank. A double underhook back piledriver would drop Kiss on his head, but Cody would only get a nearfall. He’d take off the weight belt, and thought about striking Kiss with it. Instead, he’d set up the superplex for another near fall. Frustration would settle in, and he’d get sloppy. Kiss would look to take advantage with a roll up, but Cody would get him in a crossface out of it.
Kiss reached the ropes, but Cody didn’t break the hold until 4. He’d get up and expose the turnbuckle in the corner, and look to slam Kiss face first into it, but Kiss countered and sent Cody face first before going for a roll up for a two count. One last attempt was all Kiss would get, and they would launch some heavy strikes before being caught with the Cross Rhodes, ending this match.
Cody played a clear heel in this match. He rode holds out, pulled the turnbuckle cover off and was just vicious against Kiss. His mean streak was clear in this one, and you know Tully Blanchard noticed this from the crowd. Arn Anderson was not pleased, but a win is a win. Seven defenses, and a twelve match win streak. A show of respect followed the match, but Cody didn’t play this one clean. Do you think Cody is showing his true nature? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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