Cody Rhodes has announced his clear goal for WWE WrestleMania 42, scheduled to take place this April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Rhodes is determined to enter the event either as the WWE Champion or as a contender challenging for the championship, reaffirming his strong ambition to claim the top prize on wrestling’s biggest stage.
Cody Rhodes sets sights on WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42
The American Nightmare recently appeared on The Kelly and Mark Show to promote WrestleMania 42, sharing his intense focus on the event. He reflected on his previous WrestleMania 41 match against John Cena, which took place during Cena’s retirement tour. Despite his efforts then, Rhodes left without a championship. This time, he aims to either defend or vie for the WWE Championship.
“Last year at WrestleMania 41, I wrestled John Cena on his retirement tour for the WWE Championship. And sadly, I am here today empty-handed, no WWE Championship. So the idea would be, WrestleMania 42, defending or challenging for the WWE Championship. And then I can come back to the show with a title,” he said.
On the road to WrestleMania, Rhodes will compete in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match this Friday on SmackDown against Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu. The winner will advance to the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, with the eventual victor earning a title shot against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns, having won this year’s Royal Rumble, is set to face CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship during the event.
Rhodes proposes new format for live WWE events
Beyond his in-ring pursuits, Cody Rhodes has shared a suggestion he made to WWE aimed at enhancing fan engagement. On his What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Rhodes revealed he recommended the company schedule house shows one weekend each month. He emphasized that these shows could offer a unique, intimate experience by blending canon storylines with fresh content.
“But I had suggested to them, I said, ‘Run one weekend a month. Call them house shows. Make them almost poke the fourth wall a little bit in terms of what they are. They’re canon, but they’re not. You’re gonna see some of the stuff you see on TV, but it’s gonna be a bit more of a mixed bag, and maybe you’re gonna see some people you’ve never seen before, who are getting their first rep in front of you, and run them that way where there’s an intimacy to them that’s advertised. This is a house show. That’s what you guys are getting, and it’s gonna be awesome.’ They’re so fun, so fun,” he added.
These proposals highlight Rhodes’ commitment not only to his own career but also to the wider growth of WWE, with fans and performers benefitting from more varied experiences. As WrestleMania 42 approaches, it remains to be seen how the company will incorporate these ideas and what role Rhodes will ultimately play in the event’s championship picture.
Cody Rhodes says the idea for WrestleMania is for him to be defending or challenging for the WWE Championship 👀
(Live With Mark & Kelly)
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 11, 2026
