Cody Rhodes Opens WWE SmackDown With Strong Message For Drew McIntyre
WWE SmackDown kicks off the build towards Elimination Chamber tonight as the show emanates live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The show featured exciting matches, which included two qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY are set to defend their Women’s Tag Team Championships against Kiana James and Giulia.
The Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, made his way to the ring to open the night’s show, but was instead attacked by Cody Rhodes before he made it all the way down the ramp.
Cody Rhodes addressed the WWE Champion
McIntyre cost Cody Rhodes the chance to win a third Royal Rumble this past weekend in Saudi Arabia, and the American Nightmare looked for payback against the champion.
He attacked McIntyre and drove him to the back, following which Cody got in the ring and addressed McIntyre. Cody was irate over Drew’s actions, as it cost him a chance to main event WrestleMania once again, and he returned to the city he was born in, empty-handed.
.@CodyRhodes wanted some Royal Rumble revenge đź‘Š pic.twitter.com/M31vACef5G
— WWE (@WWE) February 7, 2026
The American Nightmare threatened the champion as he let McIntyre know that he wouldn’t have to worry about WrestleMania, as he wouldn’t be able to make it to the event.
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