Despite not being the champion, Kevin Owens took the Winged Eagle Championship from Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night Main Event. On Friday Night SmackDown, GM Nick Aldis made it clear that Owens wasn’t the real champion and needed to return the title.
However, when it was time to give it back, Owens refused to listen. In response, Cody Rhodes announced a ladder match between them at the Royal Rumble, and this officially became the first match announced for next year’s Royal Rumble event.
Kevin Owens lost his chance to become the Undisputed WWE Champion at Saturday Night Main Event. He got another shot during the Holiday Tour on December 27 but lost again in a dramatic steel cage match. Despite this, Owens calls himself the “True Champion.”
OFFICIAL: Cody Rhodes v Kevin Owens for both the Undisputed and Winged Eagle Championship in a LADDER MATCH at the 2025 #RoyalRumble. pic.twitter.com/vBzciglZZf
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 28, 2024
Now, he has another opportunity to face the Undisputed Champion, scheduled for Royal Rumble 2025, following the drama-filled Friday Night Smackdown Event.
Owens has been chasing a world title for nearly 8 years. However, this will be his third time in four years challenging for a world title at Royal Rumble.
Kevin Owens speaks out after Nick Aldis’ bold title warning
Before Cody Rhodes announced their ladder match on SmackDown, Kevin Owens got a warning from GM Nick Aldis about the Winged Eagle Championship he took from Rhodes at SNME. Aldis gave Owens until the end of the show to return the title or face serious consequences. But Owens, being Owens, didn’t listen.
Kevin Owens continues his hilarious car promo gimmick with a response to Nick Aldis' ultimatum, but it lacks the same punch as his previous ones which is disappointing.pic.twitter.com/cyRPXR6Uk6
— Stephen JKD (@theStephenJKD) December 28, 2024
Owens later responded to Aldis’ warning. He said he would talk to the GM but only on his terms. Owens demanded a one-on-one meeting in the ring with no security or staff.
KO declared, “I am the true, rightful WWE Champion. I also heard that ultimatum. You know what, Nick? You and I need to have a little discussion. So, I’ll come into this arena, but on my terms.”
