Cody Rhodes Seeks “Closing The Loop” With Drew McIntyre; The WWE Champion Responds

Cody Rhodes wants revenge against Drew McIntyre and regain the WWE Undisputed Championship.

To earn another title shot, Rhodes must first win this weekend’s Elimination Chamber match by defeating Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Jey Uso, LA Knight, and Trick Williams.

Ahead of the Premium Live Event in Chicago, Rhodes appeared on ESPN’s First Take, where he discussed his rivalry with McIntyre. Rhodes said he wants to “close the loop” by beating McIntyre to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Cody said, “This year, it’s really up in the air for me. … I’d love to close the loop on Drew [McIntyre] because we’ve been fighting each other for quite some time.” [H/T First Take]

Drew McIntyre Takes Shot At Cody Rhodes

Drew McIntyre later responded, stating that the loop was already closed when he defeated Rhodes to win the title.

McIntyre tweeted, “Close the loop? The loop is closed. I won. You lost. Go try and be relevant without the gold.”

Close the loop? The loop is closed.

I won. You lost.

Go try and be relevant without the gold. https://t.co/JW0X6rVpjc

— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) February 25, 2026

McIntyre captured the championship in a Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Berlin, Germany. McIntyre won the first fall with a low blow followed by a Claymore Kick.

Rhodes evened the score in the second stage after putting McIntyre through the announce table. The final steel cage stage featured the shocking return of Jacob Fatu, who attacked both men. As Fatu focused on Rhodes, McIntyre escaped the cage to secure the victory and the title.