Cody Rhodes is on the back foot heading into WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Kevin Owens got the better of his estranged friend on the final WWE SmackDown before the weekend’s primetime special.

Rhodes and Owens headline Saturday Night’s Main Event. It’s a sequel to their undisputed WWE title match at August’s Bash in Berlin pay-per-view. Friday’s finale cemented that, unlike their first match, their upcoming battle has nothing to do with sportsmanship. SmackDown ended with Rhodes on his back after Owens got the better of their go-home brawl.

Friday’s show set the stage in several interesting ways. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa will meet one-on-one in Raw’s Netflix debut, the finals of the inaugural women’s United States championship tournament are set and a new superstar signed with SmackDown.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

Owens holds the high ground heading into the weekend

SmackDown commentator Michael Cole mediated a final conversation between Rhodes and Owens before Saturday Night’s Main Event. Rhodes entered the ring to face Owens but his rival called in via video chat. Owens accused Rhodes of using his friends to win the undisputed WWE championship at WrestleMania before casting them away. Owens continued spitting vitriol. He called Rhodes a terrible father and brother before claiming “The American Nightmare” was far more interesting as Stardust. An irritated Rhodes chased down Owens. Saturday’s title challenger blindsided the champion backstage and a brawl ensued. The fight wound up in the ring as security intervened. Owens struck Rhodes with the undisputed WWE title while security restrained Rhodes.

Rhodes vs. Owens has arguably been the champion’s most interesting feud since winning the title in April. While Owens’ actions can’t be defended, his gripes with Rhodes are agreeable. Friday’s meeting was advertised as SmackDown’s main draw. The rivals had a chance to dig deep and encourage fans to tune into Saturday Night’s Main Event. Instead, we got a paint-by-the-numbers brawl to close the show. Disappointing considering how talented these two storytellers are. Grade: C+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Drew McIntyre laid out Jimmy Uso with a Claymore Kick after Uso promised to have a big singles campaign in 2025.
• Naomi offered to replace an injured Jade Cargill as one-half of the WWE women’s tag team championships.
• Michin def. Tiffany Stratton via pinfall after hitting Sole Food. Michin advances to the inaugural women’s U.S. title finals.
• Roman Reigns challenged Solo Sikoa to a one-on-one match for the Ula Fala at WWE Raw’s Netflix premiere on Jan. 6.
• Braun Strowman def. Carmelo Hayes via pinfall with a running powerslam. Strowman was a surprise opponent and SmackDown’s newest signee.
• LA Knight def. Solo Sikoa via disqualification after an attack by Jacob Fatu. Post-match, Andrade and Apollo Crews tried to rescue Knight but were laid out by The Bloodline.
• Chelsea Green def. Bayley via pinfall after hitting Unpretty Her.
• Candice LeRae and Nia Jax will challenge for the WWE women’s tag team titles next week.