Cody Rhodes is preparing to enter the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble with hopes of securing his third victory in this prestigious WWE event. The American Nightmare has won back-to-back Royal Rumble matches in 2023 and 2024, but this year’s competition is fiercer, with notable wrestlers like Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker also vying for the top spot. Rhodes’s potential win could trigger significant shifts within WWE storylines and influence the company’s direction after the event.
Potential Main Event Spot at WrestleMania 42 for Rhodes
Since his return to WWE in 2022, Cody Rhodes has starred in four main events at WrestleMania. A victory in this year’s Royal Rumble would guarantee him a championship match at WrestleMania 42, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas. Given his prominent status within WWE and his role as the face of the promotion, it is nearly certain Rhodes would headline one of the marquee matches of the event, solidifying his place on the grandest stage in professional wrestling once again.
Matching Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Royal Rumble Record
Stone Cold Steve Austin is the only wrestler in WWE history to have won three Royal Rumble matches. This longstanding record is in serious jeopardy if Rhodes triumphs in the 2026 contest, as he would tie Austin’s milestone. Achieving this would place Rhodes among the elite performers with multiple Royal Rumble victories and enhance his reputation as one of the sport’s modern legends. Additionally, it would provide him with a substantial boost as the Road to WrestleMania unfolds.
Setting Up a High-Stakes Multi-Competitor Title Match
Currently, Rhodes is engaged in an intense rivalry with Jacob Fatu on SmackDown. A Royal Rumble win for Rhodes could lead to the collision of several top contenders at WrestleMania 42, sparking a multi-person feud for the Undisputed WWE Championship. While Rhodes would secure a championship opportunity against Drew McIntyre, Fatu remains a strong challenger, escalating tensions between these key figures. Their intertwined storylines suggest that WWE may build toward a Triple Threat Match involving Rhodes, Fatu, and McIntyre for the title at the big event.
Risk of Fan Backlash Against Rhodes
Despite being one of WWE’s most beloved wrestlers, Rhodes faces the risk of fan disapproval if he wins the Royal Rumble for a third time. Many fans have expressed a desire for new talent to rise and claim that spotlight, rather than allowing Rhodes to dominate the event repeatedly. Should WWE push Rhodes to victory again, a portion of the audience might feel frustrated and reject the decision, viewing it as a forced or repetitive booking tactic. This reaction could mirror past situations where overpromotion of certain babyface stars led to backlash and diminished popularity.
“The American Nightmare may headline his fifth WrestleMania this year if he wins the 30-Man battle royal. He is currently the face of the Stamford-based promotion and WWE would look to give him a major spotlight at The Grandest Stage of Them All.” ?WWE Insider
“It will position The American Nightmare into the elite list of superstars to have won the Men’s Royal Rumble matches three times. This feat alone will make Rhodes one of the modern-day greats in pro wrestling, something that will boost his WWE career.” ?Wrestling Analyst
In summary, a victory by Cody Rhodes at the 2026 Royal Rumble could reshape WWE’s landscape heading into WrestleMania 42. From matching historic records and grabbing top billing at major events, to sparking new rivalries and stirring fan controversies, Rhodes’s success promises to leave a lasting impact on the company’s storylines and audiences. How WWE navigates this turning point will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.
Cody Rhodes says it would make all the sense in the world for him to win the Royal Rumble
The crowd repeatedly chanted “NO!”#SmackDown
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 30, 2026
