Cody Rhodes kicked off Friday Night SmackDown this week as he made his entrance to a big ovation from the crowd. The American Nightmare said he didn’t want to delve into the past because all eyes are on what happens next. He said the Undisputed WWE Championship is the north star of the industry, and he’s been thinking about who he wants to defend his title against at Bash In Berlin.

Solo Sikoa then made his way out to interrupt Cody alongside Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Sikoa said he wants to talk about SummerSlam. He demanded a rematch for the title.

Rhodes told Solo that he couldn’t get the job done on his own at SummerSlam, and he caused Jacob Fatu to get hurt. Cody said it was the same SummerSlam where he beat Solo in the middle of the ring, so he’s delusional if he thinks he has any claim to a rematch. The Bloodline then approached the ring and prepared to attack Cody.

Kevin Owens got in the ring with two chairs and handed one to Cody as The Bloodline backed off. Solo told Cody he’ll deal with him later as he retreated. Cody’s song hit and he asked for the music to be cut as he called Kevin Owens back in the ring. He said it might be awkward, but he wants to talk to KO about something.

The American Nightmare said he thinks this might get awkward, but before he was interrupted he was talking about who he’d like to face for the WWE Championship. He looked KO in the face and told Owens that he wants to face him. Owens said he doesn’t deserve a title match because they need to be earned. Kevin said he’s not the guy due to his record over the last year. The fans chanted “you deserve it.”

Cody told KO he had a feeling he would said no, but every time he needed someone in the trenches, KO was in the trenches for him. He told KO that he can say no all he wants, but he’s going to tell Nick Aldis all the reasons why Kevin should face him at Bash In Berlin, and Nick is going to see all the things he sees. Rhodes ended by telling Cody that hopefully all he’ll have to say after talking to Nick Aldis is that he’ll see KO at Bash In Berlin.

Later backstage Cody, Nick Aldis and Kevin Owens argued over whether or not Kevin deserved the match. Kevin said he didn’t then Nick Aldis said he’s already discussing a title match involving Roman Reigns. KO became furious as he talked about how Roman had The Bloodline helping him win throughout his four year title reign. Aldis then confirmed that Kevin Owens will challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Bash In Berlin later this month.