Why Did Cody Rhodes Not Bring WWE Title to AJ Styles’ SmackDown ‘Retirement’?

From the start of the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, AJ Styles was the center point. During the opening segment, he asked General Manager Nick Aldis if he could address the fans regarding something important. He was given the green light, but something seemed off. Styles’ segment came at the very end of the show, where he also called out Cody Rhodes.

The buildup was incredible, with no one mentioning what Styles would talk about despite being asked backstage. It turned out to be a Mark Henry-esque retirement segment. But why did Rhodes not have his title belt tonight? Prior to reaching the ring, Styles met Rhodes backstage. The two hugged, and The Phenomenal One whispered something in Rhodes’ ear.

This very Dwayne Johnson-style move overshadowed the fact that Rhodes did not have his WWE Universal title belt. However, the backstage segment made sense for Rhodes not to have the title. What did not make sense was that when Rhodes came to the ring, he still did not have it.

Many fans believe Rhodes intentionally didn’t bring the title to keep the focus on Styles. The segment was supposedly about Style saying goodbye to the WWE Universe, and bringing the title along would have been disrespectful. However, title belt or not, Rhodes still ended up getting beaten down by Styles.

The segment mirrored Mark Henry’s fake retirement in 2013. Styles mirrored everything from the suit to the gestures, right down to the beatdown. Henry did it to John Cena, while Styles had his sights on The American Nightmare. Could this be setting up a rematch at Clash at the Castle?

AJ Styles is the best opponent Cody Rhodes has right now

After Styles faced Rhodes at WWE Backlash France, the overall reaction was that Styles and Rhodes had great chemistry. Said to be an instant classic of a match, fans begged for a rematch. The history and experience of the two were on full display, and the French audience loved it. With no one else who could fit into the storyline, fans expect the rematch to take place at Clash at the Castle on June 15 in Scotland.

Among the potential future opponents for The American Nightmare, Gunther and Randy Orton have been suggested. Both men are currently in a feud of their own since their last match in Saudi Arabia. Gunther pinned Orton, but his shoulders were not touching the mat. Triple H did say that Orton was allowed a rematch once he returned from his injury. So, what do you think? Did Rhodes forget the title at home, or was he paying respect to Styles? Tell us in the comments.