WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes and CM Punk had an intense segment on WWE RAW ahead of Royal Rumble 2025. Rhodes came out to support Sami Zayn after his loss to Drew McIntyre. However, he was quickly attacked by his Royal Rumble opponent Kevin Owens.
A brawl ensued, with Drew McIntyre helping Kevin Owens. Sami Zayn attempted a Helluva Kick on McIntyre. But, the latter dodged it, accidentally hitting Rhodes, which left Zayn in shock. Kevin Owens gave Sami Zayn a little pat while Zayn left in frustration.
However, Cody Rhodes remained in the ring and was addressing the fans. He was interrupted by none other than CM Punk, who came down into the ring. Punk checked on Cody Rhodes, expressing concern about his burnout from being WWE Champion.
He then called Cody Rhodes his friend and talked about Rhodes’ busy schedule ahead of the Royal Rumble, which led to losing his focus from his match against Kevin Owens. Punk then declared he would win the men’s Royal Rumble. He would face Cody at WrestleMania 41in Las Vegas and take the Undisputed WWE Title.
Cody Rhodes reflected on their past, where he chased CM Punk during Punk’s peak in WWE. He reminded that roles have reversed with Punk chasing him. Rhodes added that he is rooting for Punk but warned him that if he wins the Royal Rumble, he will soon realize he is no longer the “Best in the World.”
After an intense back-and-forth between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, a surprising attack occurred on Rhodes once the show went off the air. The attacker was none other than former WWE NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes.
Carmelo Hayes attacks Cody Rhodes after WWE RAW went off the air
WWE Superstar Carmelo Hayes attacked Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes and took the mic to announce that he would enter the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble, aiming for Rhodes’s title.
Fan footage posted online showed Carmelo Hayes pulling a table from under the ring. However, Cody Rhodes quickly fought back, hitting a Cross Rhodes and then powerbombing Hayes through the table.
With Carmelo Hayes now declaring himself for the Men’s Royal Rumble match, it will be exciting to see how the rising star performs.
