Cody Rhodes Edges Closer to WrestleMania Berth After SmackDown Win

Cody Rhodes WrestleMania Berth
Cody Rhodes secures WrestleMania berth with Cross Rhodes win. [Image Source: WWE]
Smackdown

Cody Rhodes secured a pivotal victory on this week’s SmackDown, advancing toward a WrestleMania opportunity by qualifying for the men’s Elimination Chamber match set for February 28 in Chicago. Rhodes, known as ‘The American Nightmare,’ overcame intense interference from Drew McIntyre while competing against Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn to gain this crucial spot.

Rhodes Battles Through Interference to Claim Elimination Chamber Slot

The match kicked off with Rhodes targeting Sami Zayn, landing a decisive Cody Cutter move. However, Jacob Fatu interrupted by sending Rhodes outside the ring, then performed a moonsault on an already weakened Zayn. Fatu attempted to pin Zayn, believing the match was over, but Drew McIntyre unexpectedly struck Fatu with a Claymore kick. Following this, McIntyre incapacitated Fatu by slamming him onto the commentary desk, causing it to collapse.

With the former Bloodline member neutralized, McIntyre turned his attention back to the ring, delivering a Claymore kick to Rhodes. Putting Zayn’s body on top of Rhodes, McIntyre seemingly secured the pin. Yet, Rhodes miraculously kicked out at the last moment, keeping his WrestleMania aspirations in play. This led him to launch a relentless assault on McIntyre.

WHAT THE?! @DMcIntyreWWE is UNHINGED! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/8d6kJ7lVeB

The turning point came when Sami Zayn landed a Helluva Kick on McIntyre, allowing Rhodes to execute a Cross Rhodes finishing move on Zayn. Rhodes then pinned his longtime colleague and friend, clinching his position in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match. This will mark Rhodes’ first Chamber appearance since 2012 and his first such match since returning at WrestleMania 38. Having been involved in the world title picture at three of the last four WrestleManias, Rhodes stands on the cusp of earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship if he wins the Chamber encounter.

.@CodyRhodes ➡️ Elimination ChamberHe saw an opportunity and he took it! pic.twitter.com/OQkYnKPUW0

Heartwarming Post-Show Gesture Captures Fans’ Attention

Following the intense main event in Dallas, Cody Rhodes took a moment after SmackDown went off-air to connect with the live audience. Reflecting on the arena’s significance to his career, Rhodes offered two tickets to WrestleMania to the most enthusiastic fan present. Scanning the crowd, he noticed a young boy in the front row wearing Rhodes’ signature American Nightmare robe. In a memorable exchange, Rhodes embraced and lifted the boy, sharing a genuine moment of appreciation.

CODY RHODES GAVE AWAY WRESTLEMANIA TICKETS TO A KID AFTER SMACKDOWN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#Smackdown pic.twitter.com/Ug5vkjD80y

This gesture from WWE’s top babyface was met with widespread praise but also skepticism from some fans online. It coincided with news that WWE held a multi-departmental meeting on February 11 to address disappointing WrestleMania ticket sales. Current figures reveal that about 76,000 tickets have sold across both nights, representing a shortfall of 10,000 to 15,000 compared to last year’s numbers as the event approaches in less than two months.

REPORT: WWE Held Multi-Department Meeting To Address WrestleMania Ticket Sales https://t.co/WCD4Rx9VqL pic.twitter.com/aymtbZlGe1

Critics have pointed to ticket price increases and running WrestleMania in the same venue two years in a row—Allegiant Stadium—as factors contributing to fan fatigue. To help counter lagging sales, Allegiant Stadium announced a 25% discount on WrestleMania tickets available until February 16 at 11:59 PM PT, aiming to stimulate buyer interest and move several hundred additional seats.

Holiday Weekend Offer ☝️Get your seat at the table with 25% OFF tickets — starting NOW through Monday, February 16 at 11:59 PM PT. Don’t miss out.Hit the link below and get 25% OFF.🎟️ https://t.co/3TZX34TbJH pic.twitter.com/39JLT4ejfa

Implications for Cody Rhodes and WrestleMania 42

Cody Rhodes’ hard-fought victory and subsequent Elimination Chamber qualification mark major steps toward WrestleMania 42, where he has been prominently involved in the world title scene in recent years. If Rhodes secures a win at the Chamber match, he will earn a title shot against the Undisputed WWE Champion on wrestling’s biggest stage. This scenario sets up potential blockbuster matchups and heightened anticipation for the event in Chicago.

Meanwhile, the ongoing efforts to boost WrestleMania ticket sales, including promotions and surprise giveaways, illustrate WWE’s recognition of the challenges facing the event’s market. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see how these strategies unfold as the countdown to WrestleMania continues.

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Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division. With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand. Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage. His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster. From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.