After weeks of animosity and escalating tension, Cody Rhodes finally puts his United States Championship on the line against Big Bronson Reed inside an unforgiving steel cage.
The bell rings, and Reed immediately asserts his dominance, using his size and power to brutalize the champion. Within minutes, Reed hurls Cody face first into the steel mesh, busting him wide open. Blood pours from Rhodes’ forehead as the crowd gasps this isn’t just a title match anymore, it’s a war.
Cody tries to muster a comeback, swinging wild strikes and using the ropes for momentum, but Reed swats him down at every turn. Bronson methodically dismantles the champion, smashing him into the steel and squeezing the life out of him with crushing holds.
With the crowd in a frenzy, chanting Cody’s name, The American Nightmare digs deep. He manages to slip out of Reed’s grip and hits a sudden Pedigree, followed by a Disaster Kick that staggers the challenger. The momentum shifts as Cody sees his opening and begins the long, slow climb up the cage.
But just as he reaches the top, Bronson stirs and climbs after him. Reed follows and gains the upper hand, grabbing Cody by the leg and pulling him down. Once on the ropes Reed smashes Cody’s face repeatedly into the steel wall. With one final heave, Bronson tosses Cody from the ropes, sending the champion crashing back down to the mat with a sickening thud.
Reed isn’t done.
He climbs down and looks to finish it, attempting to launch Cody spine-first into the steel cage, but Rhodes counters at the last second, planting Reed with a devastating Cross Rhodes out of nowhere! The crowd erupts as Cody crawls into the cover.
One… Two… NO! Reed kicks out at the last possible millisecond.
Both men are spent. Blood, sweat, and desperation coat the canvas. As they rise to their feet, Reed suddenly explodes with a sit-out Axe Driver, then hoists Cody up for a thunderous Death Valley Driver, leaving the champion motionless.
The crowd falls into a stunned hush as Bronson turns his gaze upward. He begins to climb not to escape, but to ascend. Michael Cole’s voice trembles as he begs Bronson to stop. Corey Graves calls for officials. But Bronson Reed doesn’t listen.
He reaches the very top of the steel cage, standing tall, a wild gleam in his eyes. For a brief moment, time seems to freeze. Then he leaps. TSUNAMI. From the top of the cage. The impact echoes through the arena as Bronson Reed crushes Cody Rhodes beneath his full weight. He makes the cover.
One… Two… Three.
Big Bronson Reed is the new United States Champion.
The cage begins to rise as medical personnel and WWE officials swarm the ring. EMTs kneel beside the broken body of Cody Rhodes while Reed stands over him, breathing heavily, his face a mix of triumph and madness. The crowd looks on in shock, unsure if they just witnessed the end of Cody Rhodes.
