Cody Rhodes Earns WWE Title Shot After Elimination Chamber Shocker

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis orders Drew McIntyre to defend title against Rhodes this Friday

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a wrestling match, with overlapping planes of color and form representing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the storyline.The unexpected twists and turns of the Road to WrestleMania 42 are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, hinting at the drama and unpredictability to come.Chicago Today

In a surprising turn of events at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Randy Orton emerged victorious, dashing Cody Rhodes' hopes of securing a WrestleMania 42 main event match against WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. However, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was not pleased with McIntyre's interference during the match and has now ordered the champion to defend his title against Rhodes this Friday on SmackDown.

Why it matters

This unexpected development shakes up the Road to WrestleMania, potentially setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between Rhodes and McIntyre, as well as the possibility of a multi-man match involving other top stars like Randy Orton and Jacob Fatu.

The details

After Cody Rhodes had to contend with interference from the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, it was Randy Orton who delivered a thunderous RKO to secure the Elimination Chamber victory. Displeased with McIntyre's actions, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis marched to the Post Show desk and announced that McIntyre must defend his title against Cody Rhodes this Friday on SmackDown.

  • The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view took place on February 28, 2026.
  • Cody Rhodes will challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship this Friday on SmackDown.

The players

Cody Rhodes

A top WWE Superstar who was widely expected to win the Elimination Chamber match and secure a WrestleMania 42 title shot against Drew McIntyre.

Drew McIntyre

The current WWE Champion who interfered in the Elimination Chamber match, leading to Cody Rhodes' unexpected defeat.

Randy Orton

The Superstar who emerged victorious from the Elimination Chamber match, dashing Cody Rhodes' WrestleMania hopes.

Nick Aldis

The SmackDown General Manager who was displeased with Drew McIntyre's interference and has ordered him to defend the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes this Friday.

Jacob Fatu

A top Superstar reportedly waiting in the wings, who could potentially be involved in the WrestleMania title picture.

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What they’re saying

“As a form of punishment, McIntyre has been ordered to defend his title against Cody Rhodes THIS FRIDAY on SmackDown!”

— Nick Aldis, SmackDown General Manager

What’s next

The highly anticipated WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes will take place this Friday on SmackDown, with the potential for further developments and interference from other Superstars like Randy Orton and Jacob Fatu.

The takeaway

This unexpected turn of events in the Road to WrestleMania has injected a new level of excitement and uncertainty into the WWE title picture, setting the stage for a must-see showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, with the possibility of a multi-man match at the grandest stage of them all.