Cody Rhodes' quest for WrestleMania glory faces a major roadblock, and his response is nothing short of explosive! Fresh off a devastating Undisputed WWE Championship loss to Drew McIntyre – a loss many attribute to the interference of a rising force, Jacob Fatu – "The American Nightmare" is refusing to let this setback derail his ultimate goal. He's making a bold statement: payback is coming, and it's coming soon.
On Friday's WWE SmackDown in London, Rhodes sent a crystal-clear message to the WWE Universe: first, he's going to settle the score with Jacob Fatu at Saturday Night's Main Event (SNME). But here's where it gets controversial... because right after that, he's setting his sights on a prize that could rewrite his destiny: a Royal Rumble victory. And not just any Royal Rumble – the one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Could this be the path to his ultimate WrestleMania moment?
The London crowd erupted in cheers and chants as Rhodes made his appearance. Despite the sting of losing the title, he reaffirmed his commitment to the fans and built anticipation for his announcement. Rhodes wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room – the lack of a rematch clause with Drew McIntyre. "Drew McIntyre said that there was no rematch clause – good," Rhodes declared. "We'll do this the old way. I am officially declaring myself the first entrant in the 2026 Royal Rumble!" This bold move immediately establishes him as a frontrunner and sets the stage for a potentially grueling road to WrestleMania.
Rhodes then turned his attention to Jacob Fatu, the man whose actions directly led to his title defeat. Acknowledging Fatu as a "young veteran" – someone with experience but still relatively new to the main stage – Rhodes promised to deliver the “biggest receipt [he] had ever handed out.” This wasn't just a threat; it was a challenge, laced with personal animosity.
"You can drive your 'all gas' car down here right now and collect it yourself. Or, Jacob, I can find it, and beat the brakes off your a**!" Rhodes proclaimed, leaving no room for interpretation. This raw, unfiltered aggression highlights the personal stake Rhodes has in this rivalry. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the title; it's about respect and retribution.
While Fatu didn't physically appear during Rhodes' initial address, he made his presence known later by disrupting Kit Wilson's homecoming celebration. Fatu unleashed a brutal attack, culminating in a Superkick and Senton on Wilson. He then issued a direct challenge to Rhodes, demanding a confrontation. "The American Nightmare" obliged, leading to a chaotic brawl that required WWE security to intervene. Order was eventually restored, and Nick Aldis, WWE authority figure, officially sanctioned the match between Rhodes and Fatu for Saturday Night's Main Event. This ensures a heated clash just one week before the Royal Rumble, raising the stakes even higher.
With his declaration, Rhodes becomes the first official entrant in the 2026 Royal Rumble, scheduled for January 31st. The Road to WrestleMania officially kicks off just one week after the Montreal Saturday Night's Main Event on January 24th, making it a pivotal week for Rhodes and the entire WWE landscape. But let's be honest, can Cody Rhodes really overcome Jacob Fatu and win the Royal Rumble? Some might say it's too much, too soon. Others will argue that Rhodes' determination and skill make him the ultimate favorite. What do you think? Is Cody Rhodes on the path to WrestleMania glory, or is Jacob Fatu about to derail his dreams entirely? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
