Although Clash at the Castle successfully set the stage for WWE's next two premium live events, the fan feedback to Cody Rhodes' next Undisputed WWE Championship program has been largely divisive—and understandably so. Despite being prominently featured on SmackDown in the absence of Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa has been booked as anything but a main event player. The audience shouldn't be expected to take him seriously as a legitimate threat to the top title on such short notice.
Triple H's long-term booking approach since taking over WWE's creative reins would normally dictate Rhodes vs. Sikoa is the play for SummerSlam, but changing course is necessary in situations such as this one to give fans what they'd rather see. The same can be said for the conclusion to Clash at the Castle.
It played out predictably and logically in order to set up something bigger for August 3, but short-term gains and adapting booking on the fly can occasionally be the way to go. This installment of Quick Takes will analyze what WWE should attempt to avoid by booking unsatisfying finishes, the Samoa Joe pairing being exactly what Hook needs right now, a potential final run for The Hardy Boyz in WWE, and more. All signs point to Solo Sikoa being next in line for an opportunity at Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship following their confrontation at Clash at the Castle, but it's not a spot he's ready for yet.
Sikoa developing his character as part of this latest chapter for The Bloodline was long.
