5 Shocking Takeaways From Cody Rhodes' Undisputed Championship Defense At WWE Saturday Night's Main Event

The American Nightmare's journey as Undisputed WWE Champion continues to be the hottest story in professional wrestling, and his latest appearance on the revived *WWE Saturday Night's Main Event* on December 13, 2025, proved to be a pivotal moment. The iconic NBC show, brought back as part of the major broadcast deal that moved *SmackDown* to the USA Network, is now a crucial stage for major championship clashes and storyline advancements, cementing its status as a must-watch event for the modern era of WWE programming. This latest special broadcast from December 2025 was packed with high-stakes action, but all eyes were on Cody Rhodes, who put his title on the line in a surprise, high-profile encounter. The results and the subsequent fallout have significant implications for the rest of his championship reign and the looming threat of his greatest rivals.

Cody Rhodes: The American Nightmare's Profile and Championship Reign

To fully appreciate the gravity of his recent *Saturday Night's Main Event* (SNME) appearance, it's essential to look at the man who finished the story and now carries the company on his back.

• Ring Name: Cody Rhodes
• Real Name: Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes
• Date of Birth: June 30, 1985
• Hometown: Marietta, Georgia, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
• Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
• Finishing Moves: Cross Rhodes, Bionic Elbow (tribute to Dusty Rhodes)
• Major Current Title: Undisputed WWE Champion (as of December 2025)
• Notable Achievements: WWE Intercontinental Champion, AEW TNT Champion, ROH World Champion, NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Two-Time Royal Rumble Winner.
• Signature Phrase: "Finish the Story"
• Championship Context: Rhodes's current reign began at WrestleMania, where he finally defeated Roman Reigns, ending a historic, long-standing title run.

The Unexpected Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi

The biggest shock of the December 13, 2025, *Saturday Night's Main Event* was the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, putting his title on the line against the formidable NXT Champion, Oba Femi.

1. The Champion vs. Champion Showdown

The decision to pit the main roster's top champion against the reigning NXT Champion immediately elevated the prestige of the SNME broadcast. Oba Femi, a powerhouse talent, has been on an incredible run, showcasing his raw strength and athleticism. This match was a clear signal from WWE management that the "forbidden door" between the main roster and NXT is open for high-stakes competition, a strategy that builds topical authority for both brands.

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• A Test of Strength: Femi's power game was a significant challenge for Rhodes, forcing the Undisputed Champion to rely on his speed and technical acumen.
• Near Falls: Femi kicked out of a devastating Cody Cutter, demonstrating his resilience and proving he belonged in the main event spotlight.
• NXT's Credibility: Even without a clean finish, Femi's performance against the company's top star significantly boosted his stock and the credibility of the NXT brand.

2. Drew McIntyre's Vicious Interference and the DQ Finish

The match ended abruptly when Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes's relentless rival, stormed the ring and attacked the champion, resulting in a disqualification (DQ) finish.

McIntyre’s calculated attack prevented a clean outcome, ensuring that Rhodes retained his title but also sending a clear, violent message. This interference was not merely a run-in; it was a deliberate, brutal assault that re-ignited their long-standing feud with even greater intensity. The Scottish Warrior is clearly obsessed with dethroning Rhodes, and he is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goal.

The post-match scene was chaotic, with both Rhodes and Femi eventually working together to lay out McIntyre, a rare moment of unity between the two champions, suggesting a potential short-term alliance against the common enemy.

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The Ripple Effect: SNME's Impact on the Undisputed Championship Picture

The events of *Saturday Night's Main Event* in December 2025 have completely reshaped the championship landscape heading into the new year. Several key entities and storylines were directly affected:

3. Solidifying the Rhodes vs. McIntyre Feud for a Major Event

The attack on SNME all but guarantees that the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre rivalry will headline a major upcoming pay-per-view. The level of animosity, combined with McIntyre’s repeated, aggressive tactics, has made this the most personal feud on the main roster. Fans are already speculating that a major stipulation match, perhaps at the Royal Rumble or even a rumored international event, is inevitable to settle the score.

This feud is a classic example of the 'face of the company' (Rhodes) battling a relentless, cynical veteran (McIntyre), providing deep emotional stakes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The title's prestige is heightened by the sheer desperation shown by the challenger.

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4. John Cena's Final Stand and Other Star Power

While Rhodes's match was the headline drama, the SNME broadcast was stacked with other major entities, further establishing its importance. The card also featured what was heavily promoted as John Cena's anticipated final match against Gunther.

The inclusion of legends like Cena alongside current top stars like Rhodes and rising talents like Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Bayley, AJ Styles, and Dragon Lee, demonstrates WWE's commitment to making the revived *Saturday Night's Main Event* a true special attraction. This mix of generations is a key strategy for maximizing viewership on NBC and building topical authority across the entire roster.

5. What's Next for Cody Rhodes? The Road to the Royal Rumble

With the December SNME now in the rearview mirror, Cody Rhodes's immediate future is clear: the threat of Drew McIntyre must be dealt with. However, the championship picture is never simple.

• The McIntyre Rematch: A major stipulation match against Drew McIntyre is the most likely next step to resolve the DQ finish and the constant interference.
• The Royal Rumble Threat: As the Undisputed WWE Champion, Rhodes will be watching the Royal Rumble match closely. The winner of the 30-man contest will earn a title shot at WrestleMania, introducing a fresh, major threat to his reign.
• The Bloodline Shadow: Although his story with Roman Reigns is "finished," the shadow of The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, etc.) always looms, and a new challenger could emerge from that faction at any time.
• Potential Dream Matches: Fans continue to clamor for matches against other top stars, including a potential rematch with Seth Rollins, or a blockbuster encounter with a returning Randy Orton.

Cody Rhodes's Undisputed WWE Championship reign is now defined by its high-stakes defenses on major platforms like *Saturday Night's Main Event* and the relentless pursuit of rivals like Drew McIntyre. As 2026 begins, The American Nightmare will have to be at his absolute best to keep the title he fought so hard to win.