Logan Paul Changes The Stipulations To His Match With Cody Rhodes

Rhodes and Paul had their contract signing tonight, but the match has not received the push it should have, especially after The Rock showed the entire WWE creative how effective social media promos can be as a lead into a working program or show. With Paul’s power on social media, this match should be stealing headlines on every major online platform from sports to celebrity sites. Cody referenced WARGAMES 1992, one of the best WCW WARGAME matches of all time, which received a huge pop from the Sting stans in attendance (which is most of the wrestling world). He then set his intentions on Paul’s title—the only title missing from Cody’s Grand Slam conquest.

Paul , readily two steps ahead of the face (as a good heel should be), tore up the contract and refused to sign anything indicating his US title was up for grabs. He insisted that he only agreed to challenge for Cody’s world title, and then he demanded from SmackDown GM Nick Aldis that a new contract be drawn up reflecting a one-way title shot. It appeared Aldis would not stand for this and referred to Paul’s actions as unprofessional, clearly upset at the upstart’s attempt at ‘big leaguing’ him and the WWE champion.

Rhodes and Alids have a history. In fact, the two fought for the NWA title at the historic ALL-IN PPV—the event that seemingly launched AEW. Cody eventually agreed to the one-way title match, but not before telling Logan he would be stopped at the KQOTR just like Mike Tyson is going to KO his brother Jake Paul—a controversial boxing match scheduled for this Summer on Netflix. Logan attempted a cheap shot on Cody, but he was the one left on his back, with Cody standing tall.

King of The Ring Matches

• Randy Orton vs. Carmel Hayes

Orton-Hayes was the main event of the evening, continuing to give Hayes a big-time feel. Hayes has shared the ring with major stars since receiving the call up to the main roster, but working with Orton has to be all kinds of awesome.

It was difficult to see Hayes winning this match, though his presence in the tournament added to the excitement and expectations. Though Hayes looked great at times, he just didn’t have the ring experience of a Randy Orton (few do), and this fact played into Hayes’ demise as he was eventually caught with the RKO that stomped out his 2024 KOTR dreams.

• LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga

Knight has been unable to capitalize off his WrestleMania 40 win over AJ Styles. Since the “show of shows,” Knight gave the win back to Styles and lost out on a chance for a title shot (twice), and he just feels stuck in the position he rocketed to last year.

Tonga, still trying to get over his ruthlessness, attacked Knight from the get-go, but Knight did not show up to lose and was able to stay competitive. Expecting a competitive match on paper is understandable, but adding The Bloodline to the mix certainly gives a clear edge. Knight was able to find a surge late in the match, but he just couldn’t overcome the numbers game, and a well-timed Solo Sikoa distraction was enough for Tonga to advance.

Queen of The Ring Matches

• Tiffany Stratton vs. Bianca Belair

Stratton has been on a solid build as of late, and she has looked impressive against some of the division’s best, but she ran into a proven star and former champion in Belair at the wrong time. Belair has not had a lot of success in the single’s division since losing her world title nearly a year ago following a title reign that lasted over 400 days. So, while Stratton was fighting to launch her career on the back of a QOTR victory, Belair is attempting to add to her legacy in a way that also achieves opportunities.

The bout was competitive, and the two superstars complemented each other well, with Belair and Stratton working clear face/heel roles. Belair ended up hitting the KOD for the win, but the victory cost her more damage to her injured leg. Belair is a strong favorite to win it all, but to do so, she will have to work around a leg injury that will clearly be worked on during her remaining time in the tourney.

• Jade Cargil vs. Nia Jax

This match could have been as disastrous for the winner as it was for the loser, but WWE took a “let’s use what’s left” approach to these two within the QOTR tournament. Jax wanted to show Jade early that she was a powerhouse and not one of her previous opponents to manhandle.

Without a partner to tag in, Cargill would have to show her in-ring ability against someone she didn’t overpower easily. Well, she would have if WWE believed in her enough. Instead, Jax brought a chair into the match that was eventually used by Cargill, causing a DQ to the match. Fans rightly booed the finish, but Jax will move one step closer to the crown.