Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu have become central figures in an intense rivalry on SmackDown, culminating in their upcoming Triple Threat Match against Sami Zayn. This encounter serves as a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber event, surprising many fans who had anticipated separate matches for each competitor to earn their spot.
The decision by WWE to place Rhodes and Fatu in the same Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match has left audiences puzzled, as it challenges previous assumptions about how contenders would enter the prestigious event scheduled for Chicago. Several key reasons underpin this surprising booking choice.
Forcing a Direct Confrontation Between Two Top Contenders
Despite their ongoing feud, Rhodes and Fatu have not yet faced each other one-on-one in the ring. With WrestleMania 42 drawing near, WWE appears to be aiming to decisively address their rivalry by creating a high-stakes encounter at the Elimination Chamber qualifier. This match ensures the two leading challengers meet head-to-head rather than advancing separately.
By having only one available spot in the Chamber at stake, the promotion effectively elevates the tension between Rhodes and Fatu. This approach prevents either wrestler from reaching the Elimination Chamber uncontested, cultivating a more compelling narrative through direct competition. The outcome will determine which star moves forward in the title picture, making the winner’s path more significant and the loser’s elimination from contention more impactful.
Absence of Plans for a WrestleMania Triple Threat Match
Recent storylines on SmackDown have intertwined Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu in an intense struggle over the Undisputed WWE Championship. Speculation had suggested WWE might pit all three in a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 42, heightening the stakes for the title. However, current indications reveal the company may instead have focused on booking Drew McIntyre in a one-on-one match at the event.
This strategic direction likely influenced the decision to have Rhodes and Fatu fight for a single Chamber qualifying spot. As a result, one competitor is expected to continue pursuing the Undisputed WWE Championship, while the other might embark on a divergent storyline or character development, steering away from a three-way WrestleMania title match.
Creating Unexpected Drama and Setting the Stage for Future Twists
Aligning Rhodes and Fatu in the same qualifying match carries the potential to shock viewers and add unpredictability to the Road to WrestleMania. Should Cody Rhodes win this contest, he would secure entry into the Elimination Chamber, but the storyline could take an unexpected turn during the event itself.
Jacob Fatu might launch an interference attack in the Chamber, disrupting Rhodes’ opportunity and earning a surprise re-entry into the evolving narrative. This scenario would intertwine both superstars with the Undisputed WWE Championship picture without requiring them to both claim victory in the Chamber match. Such developments could lead to chaotic multi-competitor segments at WrestleMania 42, amplifying excitement and storyline complexity ahead of the biggest show of the year.
This match is going to be on another level.
CODY RHODES vs JACOB FATU vs SAMI ZAYN.ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH!!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/nppiHIlgfc
— jamiestayready99 (@jjamiemosley961) February 7, 2026
