Cody Rhodes Vs Dominik Mysterio For The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match On SmackDown [Video]

The April 12, 2024 saw the first WWE SmackDown of the Cody Rhodes era. Cody Rhodes opened the show and sent a very clear-cut message to The Rock - that when it's time for them to clash, he won't be hiding. Cody Rhodes also closed the show as he defeated Dominik Mysterio for the 16th time after WWE SmackDown went off the air. This marked Cody Rhodes' first Undisputed WWE Universal Championship defense.

On the April 12, 2024 in the dark match on Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes had his very first defense of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Cody Rhodes' opponent? None other than Dominik Mysterio. Cody Rhodes and Dominik Mysterio have faced off a whopping 16 times since WWE Money in the Bank 2023. 

Of course, just like the previous 15 occasions, Cody Rhodes went on to defeat Dominik Mysterio for the 16th time to send the crowd in Detroit home happy.

Dirty Dom! 😂 #smackdown

Dark match vs #CodyRhodes

First title defense for Cody? pic.twitter.com/9bWJbfy14B

— That Wrestling Podcast (@ThatWrestlePod) April 13, 2024

 

It's hard to call this a rivalry when it's as lopsided as it is, but this was the biggest of their non-televised matches yet. It's a bit surreal to think of Dominik Mysterio challenging for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, but it's less surprising when you consider it is a dark match.

As for Cody Rhodes' first televised Undisputed WWE Universal Championship defense, it will take place at WWE Backlash 2024, presumably in the main event. Cody Rhodes will face either AJ Styles or LA Knight - both of whom won Triple Threat Matches on WWE SmackDown to set up a WrestleMania 40 rematch against each other next week.