Cody Rhodes’ road to WrestleMania 42 is anything but guaranteed, and he knows it. With the Men’s Elimination Chamber match looming, Rhodes admitted his 2026 path feels “up in the air” — but one goal remains clear.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Rhodes addressed the uncertainty surrounding his WrestleMania status and his ongoing rivalry with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. “This year, it’s really up in the air for me. I’d love to close the loop on Drew because we’ve been fighting each other for quite some time,” Rhodes said.
Cody Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to McIntyre on January 9, 2026, in Berlin during a “Three Stages of Hell” match. A returning Jacob Fatu interfered, costing Rhodes the victory. McIntyre later compounded the issue by entering the Royal Rumble without being an official participant and eliminating Rhodes with a Claymore kick.
Cody Rhodes Suggests He Can’t Point at the WrestleMania 42 Sign?
Now, Rhodes must win the Elimination Chamber on February 28 to secure a WrestleMania title shot. The winner is slated to challenge McIntyre at “The Show of Shows.” For the former WWE Champion, that opportunity would mean more than just pointing at the sign — it would mean finishing unfinished business.
“I’m seeing all the WrestleMania signs everywhere and not being able to point at it,” Rhodes said. Unlike previous years when he entered as Royal Rumble winner or reigning champion, he’s now back on the chase.
Rhodes also defended his Chamber qualification, stating he took advantage of Sami Zayn turning his back during a chaotic moment involving McIntyre and Fatu. “The whistle had not blown,” he noted, framing the move as strategic rather than underhanded.
If he reaches WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes wants Drew McIntyre — not out of bitterness, but for closure. With rumors suggesting WWE could pivot to a multi-man main event, nothing is locked in. For now, Rhodes must survive the Chamber before he can finish the story — or, in his words, close the loop.
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