During a SmackDown episode in Riyadh, Cody Rhodes declared his participation in the 2025 Royal Rumble, aiming to match ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin’s record of three victories in the event. This announcement came as the Royal Rumble featured a crowded lineup, including major talents such as Brock Lesnar, who had previously confirmed his return via a surprise video call to Pat McAfee and the WWE audience. Rhodes’ statement on SmackDown, however, sparked speculation, as he claimed to be the only two-time Royal Rumble winner participating in the 2026 match, seemingly omitting other multiple winners like Lesnar and Randy Orton.
Possible WWE Intentions Behind Royal Rumble Mentions
The exclusion of Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton from Rhodes’ remarks raised questions regarding WWE’s stance towards Lesnar, especially given recent controversies associated with him. While this could have been an inadvertent error, some interpret it as a subtle move to minimize Lesnar’s presence. Orton, who aims to secure his 15th World Championship and edge closer to Ric Flair’s record, immediately responded by interrupting Rhodes, emphasizing the Royal Rumble’s competitiveness and highlighting his own ambitions.
Interactions Leading to a Tag Team Match Announcement
Rhodes’ segment was further interrupted by Jey Uso and Sami Zayn, followed by the arrival of The Vision and Nick Aldis. This sequence culminated in setting up an eight-man tag team match scheduled for the January 30 episode of SmackDown. These developments added layers of rivalry and anticipation ahead of the Royal Rumble event, reflecting the dynamic nature of WWE storylines and the ongoing competition for titles.
Implications for Royal Rumble and WWE Storylines
Cody Rhodes’ assertion about the Royal Rumble contenders not only positions him as a key player seeking to match historic achievements, but also underscores shifting narratives around other top wrestlers like Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton. The subtle omissions and rivalries hint at evolving story arcs as WWE builds anticipation for its major events. Fans can expect intensified competition and potential surprises as the Royal Rumble draws closer, with the possibility of new records and title changes shaping the wrestling landscape.
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