Cody Rhodes successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles at Backlash, marking his first title defense since winning the championship at WrestleMania 40. The match was a physical encounter, showcasing the resilience and skill of both competitors.
Rhodes’ victory at WrestleMania 40 against Roman Reigns ended Reigns’ historic title reign of over 1,300 days, establishing Rhodes as the new face of WWE. Despite this monumental achievement, Rhodes had little time to revel in his success as he was immediately targeted by The Rock, setting up a future feud between the two.
With The Rock temporarily absent, WWE needed to determine Rhodes’ first challenger. This led to a series of Triple Threat matches on SmackDown, ultimately resulting in AJ Styles emerging as the No. 1 contender after defeating LA Knight in a singles match.
Styles, a former two-time WWE champion, had not held the title in nearly six years but was determined to reclaim the top spot in WWE. However, Rhodes proved to be a formidable champion as he successfully retained the title against Styles at Backlash, solidifying his reign as champion.
The outcome of the match sets the stage for future storylines and rivalries within WWE as Rhodes continues his championship reign. With The Rock waiting in the wings and other challengers surely vying for an opportunity, the landscape of the WWE Championship scene promises to remain dynamic and competitive in the coming months.
