An interesting match between two of WWE’s top stars will reportedly go down on the next episode of RAW. While it will take place in a dark match, Sami Zayn is being forced to defend the Undisputed Title against Cody Rhodes.
It’s a strange move considering WWE doesn’t usually announce dark matches in this fashion. Champions defend the title all the time in untelevised matches at live events, but fans often don’t know anything about it unless they read spoilers.
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Roman Reigns will appear after ditching the episode of RAW after Money in the Bank. While it could be nothing, WWE may have announced another showdown between the two rivals for the title for a reason.
It’s a strange move since The American Nightmare didn’t necessarily win a shot at the title through a #1 Contender’s match or a different way. He’d probably get an automatic rematch because he’s a favorite of management.
However, the manner in which Triple H dishes out rematches is completely random. Rhodes could be facing Sami Zayn for the Undisputed Championship in a dark match next week for the next four reasons.
#4. Penta cashing in to set up another clash with Roman Reigns
Penta couldn’t confront Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank because WWE chose to open the PLE with the World Heavyweight Title match against LA Knight. It basically destroyed any anticipation for a same-night cash-in.
Every Money in the Bank competitor confronted Sami Zayn at one point ahead of the PLE. The Luchador couldn’t do so yet again on the ensuing RAW because Reigns didn’t show up.
The Tribal Chief will be at RAW next week to address whatever comes his way. Since officials changed their minds to Penta winning Money in the Bank over Bron Breakker because of his showing in Mexico City, the dark title match could be WWE’s way to get another showdown between the two stars.
#3. Doing a surprise title change
One reason WWE may have announced a random dark match for next week’s RAW is that something big will happen. They wouldn’t promote it if it were just a straightforward match with the champion retaining.
Since officials are obsessed with having Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes as champions, they could be planning another unfortunate loss for The Last Real Good Guy.
He’s been doing a good job as Undisputed Champion, but that doesn’t always matter to Triple H. Liv Morgan had one of the worst reigns of the last 20 years but won back the Women’s World Title.
Promoting a random dark match could be because The Game is planning to prematurely end Sami Zayn’s run as champion yet again.
#2. TKO wants both stars of Street Fighter as champions
WWE often considers big outside projects when it comes to champions. Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are both in the Street Fighter movie releasing this week. Rhodes plays Guile while Reigns plays Akuma.
It’s a high-profile spot for both stars, so Triple H may want to switch things up again with its other champion so Rhodes and Reigns can do more promotional work with the belts front and center.
Having the movie in theaters with two of its stars as champions gives the WWE product more exposure. It’d make more sense to book the title match on SmackDown since the movie releases the same day.
For whatever reason, the showdown will be a dark match around next week’s RAW. It’s just a random announcement and strange move since Rhodes’ departure from the title picture has given others a chance to shine.
#1. Big changes for WWE Crown Jewel 2026 on the horizon?
Due to ongoing tension in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia, WWE may not hold the Crown Jewel event in Riyadh as planned. The country has hosted several big PLEs, but wasn’t embroiled in regional tension during those other events.
If WWE moves Crown Jewel to another venue, then the plans for certain matches might change. Officials originally had Bron Breakker winning Money in the Bank, but they changed their minds.
The same happened with Triple H picking Tiffany Stratton as Ms. Money in the Bank over the original choice of Roxanne Perez. Sami Zayn always competes at PLEs in Saudi Arabia.
He’s extremely popular in the region and won the Undisputed Title there over the summer. If the event moves stateside, then it gives officials an excuse to take the title off Zayn again.
It wouldn’t be fair, but TKO doesn’t care about hurting feelings or burying stars. They may feel that having Rhodes win, even in a dark match, is more important so he can have a trilogy match with Reigns at Crown Jewel.
Having The American Nightmare as champion may help sell tickets at the last minute if WWE has to move the event out of Saudi Arabia next month.
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Edited by Matthew Serocki
