At the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Drew McIntyre, the Undisputed WWE Champion, shocked fans by disrupting Cody Rhodes’ attempt to secure a third Royal Rumble victory. Although McIntyre was not officially participating in the match, he delivered a decisive Claymore Kick to Rhodes, eliminating him from the competition immediately after retaining his title against Sami Zayn earlier that night. This unexpected interference ended Rhodes’ dream of another Royal Rumble win and stirred considerable controversy backstage.
Reasons Behind McIntyre’s Actions and Their Fallout
During the post-show discussion, McIntyre explained his motivations for targeting Cody Rhodes. He described his interference as personal retribution for previous grievances, emphasizing his willingness to protect himself from perceived betrayal. McIntyre stated,
“Why not? I’m a good guy. I never lie. Listen to them, they get it. If you don’t wrong me, if you don’t screw me time and time again, I’ll be your best friend. But if you wrong me, if you constantly cost me the championship, get on my bad side, I’ll be the worst enemy you’ve ever had.”
– Drew McIntyre, Undisputed WWE Champion.
Further elaborating on his rivalry with Rhodes, McIntyre highlighted his intent to prevent Cody from earning a rematch at WrestleMania 42 by making his pursuit of the title a nightmare. He remarked,
“I heard someone say that Cody Rhodes is at his absolute best when he’s in chase mode, but I’m at my best when he’s holding the championship. Cody, I will make your life a living hell. I was fine with anyone winning the Rumble, just not you.”
– Drew McIntyre.
History of Title Exchanges and Rivalry Between McIntyre and Rhodes
The tension between the two athletes goes back several months. Cody Rhodes had successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Title against McIntyre at WWE Wrestlepalooza in September 2025 and again on November’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, McIntyre reclaimed the championship on January 9, 2026, during a brutal Three Stages of Hell match on WWE SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, further intensifying their feud.
Broader Context and Implications for WWE Storylines
McIntyre’s interference at the Royal Rumble marks a pivotal moment that could reshape the WWE championship landscape. By sabotaging Rhodes, McIntyre not only asserts dominance but also sets up heightened tensions leading into WrestleMania 42, where rematches and new confrontations are likely to unfold. This incident underscores the fierce personal stakes between these top competitors and adds a darker tone to the ongoing championship battles within WWE.
