Drew McIntyre is slated to enter WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion, with his challenger to be determined in the men’s Elimination Chamber match at the upcoming WWE Elimination Chamber event. The build-up has sparked speculation about potential rivalries, with McIntyre expressing clear reservations regarding a match against Cody Rhodes.
Champion Voices Reluctance Toward Facing Cody Rhodes
In a recent interview on Busted Open Radio, McIntyre was asked about his preferred opponent for WrestleMania 42. He explicitly ruled out facing Cody Rhodes, citing doubts about Rhodes’ past victories and concerns over referee involvement in their matches.
“Anybody but Cody Rhodes. I’m concerned, considering how the first two matches went, and the referee’s bailing him out. The cage match, I won, and people said, ‘It’s because of Jacob.’ Was it though? Jacob said it himself, ‘Wasn’t Drew out the cage when I got there?’ I didn’t just overcome Cody, I overcame Cody and Jacob. I can’t get the title back on Cody where he’s protected again, he’s back in the golden boy spot. I liberated this title for everybody, but mostly for me, because I believe I’m the man who needs to carry it forward into the future to make SmackDown feel the way it feels right now. Unpredictable and dangerous, the way it should be,”
McIntyre said.
Cody Rhodes’ Path to WrestleMania 42
Cody Rhodes is one of the competitors in the men’s Elimination Chamber match, which will also feature LA Knight, Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, and two additional wrestlers. The outcome of this match will determine who will attempt to claim McIntyre’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. Rhodes’ involvement keeps the rivalry with McIntyre a possibility, despite the champion’s public reservations.
Ongoing Rivalries and Anticipation for WrestleMania
The tension between McIntyre and Rhodes adds uncertainty to the WrestleMania card, fueling fan anticipation over whether their rivalry will continue on such a prominent stage. McIntyre’s focus on protecting the prestige of the WWE Championship and maintaining SmackDown’s unpredictability highlights the stakes involved. As WrestleMania 42 approaches, the Elimination Chamber match will be crucial in shaping the main event storyline, with consequences for both superstars and the brand.
