Cody Rhodes is determined to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship he lost earlier this year to Drew McIntyre. By winning a key qualifier, Rhodes has earned a place in the Elimination Chamber match scheduled for February 28th in Chicago, Illinois, which offers him a chance to challenge for the world title at WrestleMania 42.
Despite this opportunity, Rhodes faces significant challenges. He has yet to win an Elimination Chamber match and must contend with five opponents, including LA Knight and Randy Orton, while three other competitors remain unknown. Rhodes’ road to becoming a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion is far from assured, especially after recent events on SmackDown hinted at shifting alliances and emerging threats.
How Rhodes Claimed the Chamber Qualifier Amid Interference
Rhodes earned his spot in the Elimination Chamber by winning a triple threat match against Sami Zayn and another opponent. He secured the victory with a Cross Rhodes pin over Zayn, a crucial win after his Royal Rumble performance was disrupted by Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre’s interference played a pivotal role in Rhodes’ success last night, as the Scottish Warrior distracted Zayn just long enough for Rhodes to capitalize and claim the pinfall. This incident has added tension to Rhodes’ pursuit of the championship, as it suggests McIntyre’s involvement could continue to complicate his path.
Uncertainty Surrounds Sami Zayn’s Allegiances and Future
The fallout from the qualifier match has sparked speculation that Sami Zayn might be reconsidering his position in relation to Rhodes. Some fans and commentators believe Zayn, traditionally a face character and friend to Kevin Owens, could be poised for a heel turn, potentially targeting Rhodes as an adversary.
This possibility gained traction after ProWFinesse on X highlighted a narrative shift:
Kevin Owens developed an obsessive hatred for Cody Rhodes. Sami Zayn took Cody’s side. Drew McIntyre tried to screw Cody. Sami did the right thing, but Cody took advantage. This was the moment when Sami realised that Kevin was right.
?ProWFinesse, Social Media Analyst
Fan discussions have suggested that WrestleMania’s world title match might evolve into a triple threat showdown involving Rhodes, Zayn, and McIntyre.
They’ve been teasing Sami vs Cody for years so I think it would make more sense if the run Cody vs Sami vs Drew at mania.
?Fan Commentator
Other audience members expressed frustration about Zayn’s continued setbacks despite his popularity with the crowd.
Listen to the crowd cheering for Sami bro. What more can they want from him? How many times does Sami zayn need to be passed up for a world championship in favor of the “safer option
?Fan on Social Media
Additional commentary has explored the emotional toll on Zayn as he wrestles with repeated disappointments.
A man realizing doing the right thing keeps costing him everything. The losses hit harder. The crowd sympathy turns into pressure. The jokes from Trick Williams they’re cracks forming. A breaking point story hits deeper than a betrayal arc.
?Wrestling Observer
Implications for Rhodes and the WWE Championship Picture
Sami Zayn’s potential shift towards a more aggressive persona could complicate Cody Rhodes’ pursuit of the WWE Championship, introducing new rivalries and storylines. With Drew McIntyre still a formidable obstacle and emerging threats such as Jacob Fatu hinted at, Rhodes’ championship aspirations face an increasingly uncertain path.
The Elimination Chamber match itself will be critical, as victory would guarantee Rhodes a title shot at WrestleMania 42, while defeat could significantly derail his momentum. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Rhodes can overcome these challenges or if his potential heel turn might endanger his chances of reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship.
