Despite numerous legendary rivalries in WWE concluding over time, the tension between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar appears far from resolved. In a recent interview on ESPN’s Get Up, Rhodes hinted that their ongoing saga is still very much alive, indicating that their feud could continue into the 2026 Royal Rumble event.
Cody Focuses on Top Competitors in Royal Rumble Talk
During the interview, when asked about which wrestler he would prefer to eliminate in the upcoming Royal Rumble, Rhodes emphasized the prominence of key figures in the WWE landscape. He pointed out that many participants had not yet been announced and predicted surprises would occur, but he specifically named Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns as the likely top contenders who have previous Royal Rumble wins under their belts.
“Of the ones who we know that are in it—because there’s going to be a myriad of surprises—we know who’s declared already… I think you should look no further than the top of the heap at WWE. And that’s going to be somebody like a Brock Lesnar, somebody like a Roman Reigns, who has also both won Royal Rumbles prior.”
– Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Rhodes Wants Another Shot at Lesnar Despite Past Clashes
More directly, Rhodes expressed a clear desire to face Lesnar once again. The two have met three times already, but Rhodes suggested that, from his perspective, their story was finished—though Lesnar might disagree. He recalled their previous match before Brock’s hiatus and the subsequent return where Lesnar faced John Cena, implying the feud remains unresolved and he wants the chance to eliminate Lesnar himself in the upcoming Royal Rumble.
“I think I’d like to get Brock Lesnar if I could get anyone. I had his last match before he came back and wrestled John Cena. I thought we ended this thing. Apparently, we did not. But I’d like to be the one to throw that guy out.”
– Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Backstory of the Rhodes-Lesnar Rivalry and Its Current Context
Their rivalry began abruptly when Lesnar viewed Rhodes as a challenge during Cody’s rebuilding phase after returning to WWE. Brock positioned himself as a significant obstacle, testing Rhodes’ resolve. Though legal issues involving Lesnar—such as his alleged role in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon—have sidelined him temporarily, Rhodes has continued developing his character as the American Nightmare, thereby advancing his story independently of Brock’s status.
Setting the Stage for Potential Royal Rumble Showdown in Saudi Arabia
With Brock Lesnar confirmed to be part of the Royal Rumble lineup, Rhodes’ comments strongly suggest that a renewed face-off could be on the horizon. His expressed wish to “throw that guy out” indicates unresolved tension and anticipation among fans for a possible climactic encounter. How the storyline will unfold remains uncertain, but the upcoming event in Saudi Arabia might hold the key moments of this continuing feud.
The ongoing brinkmanship between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar serves as a reminder that in WWE, certain rivalries refuse to fully fade. This continuing storyline maintains fan interest and ensures that both stars remain central figures leading into one of WWE’s biggest annual spectacles.
